To me... having chickens means having chickens that are free to walk around the yard. Of course there are a few so called "downsides" to this... risk of predation, flowers and gardens are fair game, dust bath pits and poop almost everywhere, but these are minuscule compared to the feeling of satisfaction I get out of seeing the girls walking around the property on their own agenda.
I fully understand that some situations dictate that chickens are kept in a coop with a penned area for them to walk around. I am fortunate enough to be able to have free range chickens.
As I've found out, the girls each have their own personalities. Some are more curious, some are "moodier", some are tamer, but all of them put together make a backyard family. If you ever had chickens, you'll find they will also develop a sense of trust and loyalty with you. I get great pleasure out of them eating out of the palm of my hand. (Some "misses" can be a bit painful, but it is worth it!) To have them "sprint" towards you as you pull up into the driveway is always a welcome feeling! There's something to be said about sitting down outside on the ground and watching the hens, hearing the clucks and purrs, having the curious ones walk up to check you out, seeing the "chase" when one finds a bug and makes the mistake of running with it. To me it is better than any television show. It brings me peace and reminds me of how simple life should be and can be... I
make time each day for this. It's good for the soul...
