h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why Chickens?

Why would anyone in an urban or suburban area want to raise chickens? Aren't they filthy, smelly, noisy, pest- and disease-ridden predator attractors? Besides, eggs and chicken are both fairly cheap protein sources, even if you buy the more expensive options. Why not just buy them from the store?

People keep chickens for many different reasons. Some raise them for eggs and/or meat, though some chicken keepers are vegan. Some keep chickens to control garden pests. Some chicken keepers see their chickens as pets. A lot of people keep chickens for multiple reasons.

As far as cleaniness, chickens aren't any more inherently dirty than any other animal. The cleanliness of chickens is dependent on how their surroundings are kept. Clean surroundings equal clean, healthy chickens, while noisome surroundings will result in filthy, smelly, pest- and disease-ridden poultry.

Noisy? Well, yes, roosters crow at all times of day, not just daybreak. How often, how long, and how loud vary with individuals. Hens also make some noise, but not as much, as a general rule. However, dogs and traffic are often consistantly louder.

Admittedly, there are several animals that find chickens quite tasty. They also find squirrels, cats, and small dogs tasty, and none of those are generally kept in predator-proof quarters during twilight and night.

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Not happy with how this was going. From now on, I'll likely not try to write the entry in order--I think writing full sections (and not while PaperKid and Notepad are distracting me) and then rearranging as needed when I compile the entry will work best. I can do "filler" bits then, too.

Baby chicks seem cute and fluffy. I can see how people might enjoy having them as pets, and then get used to them as companions as they grow.

Deb