Chickens aren't pets!
It’s a frustratingly common rebuke thrown at keepers who dare to express interest in befriending their flock members. A large portion of the community is adamant that chickens simply aren’t cut out to be companion animals, but is there any truth to this? Where exactly does this idea come from that chickens are somehow in a different category than the dogs and cats we’ve elevated to live alongside us?
If we want to fairly evaluate a chicken’s potential to be a companion animal, we have to first identify the traits a companion animal should have. Let’s break those down and see how the humble chicken measures up.
🏡Domestication – While exotic animals are indeed kept as pets, most consider domestication to be a critical part of what makes a good companion animal. No issues here. Like dogs and horses, chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years (around 8,000 to be exact 😉) To be domesticated simply means they are no longer wild, they have adapted to life in close association with humans.
💕Affection – The ability to bond with humans is certainly high on the “pet qualification checklist”. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence, reports of other keepers and the like, to support that this is a clear yes for chickens. Of course, some do report that their birds prefer to keep their distance, but this is much more related to environment and interaction than anything inherent in the species. If we want to know if chickens value and are capable of connection, all we have to do is look at the bonds they form with each other. As flock animals, they’re primed to forge strong social ties and establish deep relationships with those they recognize as trusted companions.
🧠Intelligence – The ability to adapt, learn routines, and interact in a meaningful way with their guardian is another key trait of any pet animal. There’s a pretty widespread stigma that chickens are dim-witted, but this couldn’t be farther from
On this sunny afternoon, I decided to treat myself to a delicious lunch of shrimp and grits from Cafe Moná in the company of my favorite #chickens.
As I sat at the picnic table in the backyard, the chickens gathered around me, clucking and pecking at the ground in anticipation of some tasty morsels. I couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm, knowing they were in for a real treat.
I dished out generous portions of the creamy grits topped with plump, juicy shrimp for us, savoring each bite as the flavors danced on my taste buds.
The chickens of course eyed my plate with envy, but I made sure to share a few crumbs with them, much to their delight.
It was a truly delightful sight, enjoying a meal with my feathered friends, the sun shining down on us as we basked in each other's company.
As we finished our meal, the chickens contentedly pecked at the leftovers while I leaned back feeling grateful for the simple pleasures in life. The bond between man and chicken may seem unconventional to some, but to me, it was a reminder of the joy that can be found in the most unexpected places. And as I sat there, surrounded by clucking companions, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of many more lunches shared with my favorite chickens in the future.
What ya doing?
Me? Just hanging with my peeps 🐥
All the lil'cluckers here at the The New Chicks farm, hope you have a great day!
