OWNING CHICKENS
(for newbies)
So... to get chickens, or not to get chickens? If you're new to chickens in general or have never owned them before, and you're considering it, this is the section for you. On this page I will go over the basics of what it's like to own chickens, what requirements there may be (depending on where you live) and overall, to help you make your mind up if you're not sure!
There will also be a Q&A below with even the most "stupid" questions, perhaps to some. But for someone learning anything new, I don't believe any question is a stupid one, when one is learning new things.
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General Chicken Q&A
Q: Do ONLY roosters crow?
A: Nope. While it is uncommon, without the presence of a rooster, hens are known to sometimes assume the dominant role that a rooster would and sometimes they will crow. Although, it doesn't quite sound the same; it's shorter and lacking the extra notes a rooster has. I had a hen that would only crow when I let her inside, when there weren't any roosters present. When outside around the roosters, not a single crow. Chickens really are all about pecking order!
Q: What age do hens start laying?
A: This answer can vary depending on the breed of chicken being discussed. Generally, hens start laying around 18-22 weeks, which they are then referred to as Point of Lay. Heritage breeds such as Wyandottes and Orpingtons can take a little longer, up to 26 weeks or longer to lay.
Q: What breeds of chicken are best for my kids?
A: If you're after chickens for your kids, but also want a good source of eggs, the ISA Brown is a brilliant option for kids, as they are friendly and do not scare easy. If egg production doesn't matter, I highly suggest bantams as pets, such as the Silkie or Old English Game Bantam.
**Take caution of chickens pecking your children's face/eyes and educate your kids to not put their faces too close.**
Q: Are chickens as mean and as scary as they look?
A: Call me biased, but NO. Lots of people have told me that they find birds and especially chickens quite scary to be around or to even look at. When I ask why, it's often the fierce look in their eyes that are commenting on, or their scary dinosaur feet.... I think that these people either have a phobia of birds or they just don't understand them as animals. I can promise you, there's no birds out to get you!
Q: Why do roosters crow?
A: There are definitely at least a couple of reasons why roosters crow. The main reason is territory. The rooster wants his crow to be heard far and wide, so he will give his crows all he's got! He wants everyone to know that where he is, is HIS territory, and that his hens are HIS girls. I honestly believe that this is the main reason a rooster will crow. Other reasons can include, and certainly are not limited to:
- Announcement; when he enters the coop or a new area while free ranging: "Here I am, girls!"
- While fighting a rival rooster: "Look, mate.. I'm pretty tough, and you may regret this."
- After mating as a celebratory crow: "I am the best!"
- When they're bored and they feel like it!
Q: How long do chickens live for?
A: This entirely depends on the breed and good genetics. The shortest living breed of chicken is the ISA Brown, due to the excessive selective breeding that goes into producing a bird that can lay more eggs in 18 months than any other breed. Their average lifespan is 2-3 years, although I have had an ISA live to 5, and was being treated for Egg Peritonitis.
Other breeds can live much longer, especially the small bantam breeds, which can live up to 12 years. While it is entirely possible for your chickens to live a decade or longer, the average lifespan for the domesticated chicken is 5-10 years.
