Are Backyard Chickens for You?

Eggs: a reliable source of protein

Many Americans rely on eggs as a steady and inexpensive source of protein in their diets. Each egg packs about six grams of protein, and some experts go so far as to label eggs as a superfood. 

Protein is especially important for seniors, since older bodies are less efficient in using protein. Consuming adequate protein helps offset some inevitable physical changes, such as loss of muscle mass and weakening of the immune system. 

You’d also be hard-pressed to find another food that is as versatile as the egg. It can be hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, fried, or served up in your favorite omelet – plus it’s an often-required ingredient in many baked goods and recipes.

Related: 5 Foods to Add Protein to Your Diet

The benefits of raising backyard chickens

Raising backyard chickens has become very popular in the U.S. According to Axios, 11 million American households keep backyard chickens, and 8 million consider their chickens to be pets. Raising backyard chickens as a hobby can provide many benefits to people, including seniors, who live in their own homes.

The ongoing supply of free, fresh eggs tops the list. When you raise your own egg-producers, you no longer have to worry about fluctuating egg prices at the grocery store or making a trip to the store to stay stocked. If you have more eggs than you need, you can share the excess with friends, families, and neighbors. 

Many people who raise chickens also say that their birds make excellent companion animals, helping to reduce loneliness and anxiety.

Caring for your backyard chickens, once the setup is complete, can provide seniors with gentle exercise on a regular basis. Some older adults also say that raising chickens nudges them to leave their homes and spend more time outdoors.

Related: 5 Unexpected Hobbies

A few things to consider before buying chickens

Are chickens allowed in your area? 

Check your zoning ordinance or call your local planning office to make sure you are allowed to keep chickens where you live. 

The rising popularity of backyard chickens has spurred many local governments to allow residents to raise poultry for personal use. For example, the counties in the metro area around Richmond, Virginia, allow homeowners to raise a limited number of hens (the female chickens that lay eggs), with some restrictions. Roosters are often not allowed in residential areas due to noise ordinances.

Do you have enough space? 

While chickens don’t require a lot of outdoor space, they do require a coop for nesting and protection from predators as well as the elements. Many experts say that each bird needs at least four square feet of indoor space and eight to ten feet of run space. This can vary, based on the size of breed that you choose to raise.

Can you afford the costs? 

You will need money upfront to purchase or buy materials to build a chicken coop and fencing. You will also need to purchase the hens, chicken feeders, and waterers. After the initial setup, you can expect monthly costs for chicken feed and straw for bedding, as well as additional costs for things like veterinary care, medicine, and pest control. 

The Hen House Collection, a company that manufacturers chicken coops that ship across the U.S., estimates that the upfront costs and regular care for five chickens over a five-year period comes to around $70 per month. For most people, that’s more than the cost of eggs.

Are you ready for the responsibility? 

Like any other living creature, chickens need regular feeding and care as well as health maintenance. Think about whether you are physically able to care for them. Also, when you travel to visit family or take vacations, think about whether or not you have family, friends, or neighbors that you can rely on to take good care of your flock while you’re away.

As with any other hobby, it’s best to start small, with four to six hens, then expand over time (if allowed in your area). Also, be sure to do your research to pick the right breed of chicken for your needs and for your area’s climate. For example, if you’re buying chickens primarily for fresh eggs, choose a laying breed, not chickens that are bred for meat.

When can you start seeing eggs? 

If you start with baby chicks, they should start to lay eggs somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks of age. Hens can lay up to one egg per day, but this will also vary by their breed, age, diet, season, and environment.

Seniors should consider consulting their physicians before committing to raising backyard poultry, since the birds can occasionally spread diseases to humans. This could make them a no-go for someone with a compromised immune system. In any case, practice thorough hygiene – such as washing your hands after contact – and always avoid kissing your chickens! If they become beloved pets, that may be a temptation!