It is not unheard of that chickens are great pets. They are great sources of entertainment that keep the owner occupied and engaged. Simultaneously, chickens can be a reliable source of income. However, before you bring in dozens of chickens, it is crucial to be familiar with the know-how of chickens.

Matthis / Pexels / In 2021, 11 million chickens were sold by Tractor Supply Co alone.

Reddinger Weit, a Millersville-based chicken owner, suggests that chickens are easy, affordable, and reliable pets compared to other pets like dogs or cats. She shares 15% of the household with chicken ownership. Owning chickens for the last ten years, Reddinger has come to the conclusion that chickens are friendly, economical, and great pets to own. “These chickens in my backyard were my closest friends throughout the Coronavirus pandemic,” says Reddinger, explaining that chickens can be a great source of entertainment.

Here are some expert tips that Reddinger shares to help new chicken owners efficiently pet chickens in their backyards:

• Be Legally Assured

Before owning chickens, the most fundamental thing is to confirm with the local officials if you are legally allowed to have a poultry farm. Since some states and cities have legal restrictions on owning individual poultry farms, you could be in hot water if you get started without confirmation.

Christian / Pexels / Knowing whether or not you are legally allowed to keep chickens in your state or city is crucial for chicken ownership.

For instance, you can not own chickens in Lancaster City. More than four chickens are restricted in Warwick city. Similarly, you can keep a dozen chickens with the permission of local officials in Manheim Township. So, before you fetch any chicken home, be legally assured.

• Do Your Own Research

Once you are legally assured, the second most important thing is to do your own research. Read online blogs on raising backyard chickens, research about the nature of chickens, and consult experienced backyard chicken keepers. Understanding the process will ease the new ownership for you and help you avoid ownership shocks.

• Bring Chickens in Small Numbers - Ideally Half a Dozen

Steffi / Pexels / New chicken owners are advised to kick off with a small number of chickens at the initial stage.

“A lot of new chicken enthusiasts get excited about their new ownership, and they bring chickens in dozens,” argues Reddinger. She asserts that bringing in a lot of chickens at the initial stage can put you in hot water. “A lot of chickens are difficult to manage and can’t be properly looked after,” she asserts. She says that bringing in dozens of chickens does not make you successful; rather, it toughens the process.

That is why Reddinger suggests bringing in chickens in small numbers at the initial level. “6 is the ideal number for new chicken owners,” Reddinger suggests. So, at least for the first twelve months, keep a small number of chickens. You can then increase the number as you make acquaintance with your new pet ownership.