My friends ask me all the time "Why do you want to raise chickens?" Most of the time it is in the tone of "Are you crazy?" If you are like me, I like to raise them just for the enjoyment of it.
The fresh eggs are an added bonus that my family and I enjoy a lot.
One of the perks of having the chickens running wild is that they help minimize the bugs in my yard.
But asking "Why do you want to raise chickens" is a smart thing to do because your answer will affect a many of things that you do.
Some breeds are small and some are large.
Other breeds are better layers than others.
So this is an important consideration before you jump in and buy a lot of chickens.
For example, if you really want to sell eggs to earn extra money, you need to select a breed that produces eggs consistently.
Breeds like the Rhode Island Red or a White Leghorn are more consistent layers than most and you should think about getting these breads.
But if you have decided to raise them for meat, then you will have to purchase something along the lines of a Cornish Cross.
These chickens grow quickly and their meat tastes better.
If you just want to have chickens around because they are fun to watch and you want the added benefit of free eggs, then it really doesn't matter as much what breed of chicken you want to raise.
I bought mostly Rocks.
They are big and hardy and produce eggs consistently.
But I like variety so I also have a several other breeds that are big and hardy.
Take the time to do your homework so that you end up with the breedof chicken that will meets your needs.
They are happy animals and they are always a lot of fun to watch.
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