My two kids have always enjoyed the birds in our backyard, but in the last year, my daughter has really developed a deep love for chickens. A friend of ours raises chickens, so Anna has been lucky enough to get up close and personal with these feathered friends. We call her the chicken whisperer. You give that girl 10 minutes alone with a chicken, and I guarantee you she’ll soon be cradling it in her arms in no time.
This has led Anna to develop a new goal in life: raise her own chicken. Now this hasn’t gone over too well with my husband. He says we’re at our max with animals (two dogs, two cats), and he claims that our municipality won’t allow farm animals in our suburban backyard. (We’ll just see about that.)
Anna has it all figured out, though. The chicken could live in our garden shed most of the time. We just need to rearrange a few things and give it a place to sleep. Her dad isn’t convinced, though. So now I turn to you for help! I told him that if I could get 100 comments, he will have to reconsider. Come on people. Start commenting—tell me about your love of birds, chickens, fresh eggs or anything else on your mind. After all, girlfriend needs a chicken!
Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for a chicken update. And in the meantime, read Susan’s lovely post on the chickens in her backyard.
Catherine says
Great story. C’mon, Dad!
Crystal says
Anna, I’m on your side. I think everyone should have a chicken. I don’t know how your daddy can resist your cuteness.
Danielle says
Look at how happy that chicken makes her–how could anyone say no?
Mitch says
You don’t crush a child’s dreams with wings and barbecue sauce. Plus, imagine all the free eggs.
Jo Ann says
I’d like to do my part. We have chickens and absolutely love them.
Donna says
If that girl can cuddle a chicken like that, you have to let her foster her animal loving talents! She is on her way to being a a animal biologist!
Rachael says
Tell him, “better a chicken than a new pony!”
Chris Herrmann says
since i’m in the same position as your daughter, only wanting my mother (whom i live with) to approve a chicken acquisition, i HAVE to comment in the positive.
Dianne N says
Tell Dad every child needs a special pet. Hers is a chicken….
Grandma says
Think how happy the dogs and cats would be to have a chicken to chase! As much as I dearly love my granddaughter, I have to side with Dad — chickens are dirty, smelly creatures to keep in a small space.
Lynda says
Dear Grandma, one to three chickens does not a dirty, smelly small space make! You have obviously never kept a few chickens. 😉 The family dogs can be trained. I know, I have trained up both of mine and they actually protect my girls now!
Diane says
My daughter got three eggs at the State Fair and hatched them! We got a rooster and two hens. Those little chicks quickly won my heart, and they made wonderful pets.
Chris says
Many cities in my area now have ordinances allowing a limited number of hens and no roosters. If yours doesn’t, you can lobby for one. I also agree with Rachael, better a chicken than a new pony! Chickens are much cheaper! :0)
Danielle says
Chris, where do you live? I honestly don’t know if my township allows chickens. The ordinance has so many sections to reference that it becomes confusing trying to figure out what applies when it comes to livestock.
Scavenger Art says
Our town allows 3 chickens to folks living in the city limits. Anna will learn about caring for a pet other than a cat or dog and spend some extra time outside. It’s a win – win idea.
Noelle says
My sister has 4 chickens and just loves them. We are enjoying all of the free, fresh eggs. I hope you will soon get 100 comments so your daughter can get her own chicken 🙂
Jill says
Oh, I want to raise chickens so badly myself! What better way to teach your daughter about the importance of treating animals well, whether they are pets or those providing food for humans? Let Anna have her chicken – I know it will be worth the trouble!
Kathy says
That chicken is a Campine, no easy hen to catch. But, you know a chicken does not like to live alone. Will need two chickens or a chicken and a duck. Why stop there, maybe a mini horse, too ;). Great compost providers.
kathy
ps, that’s my hen Brett and puppy Bridgett.
Alison says
Oh, I feel for your little daughter! She looks so happy cuddling that hen. I want chickens myself, but haven’t exactly convinced the husband. C’mon, Dad, let the girl have a chick!
Brenda says
I love chickens’. My grandgirls love them too. Since I’ve had chickens here I have no bugs or snails! They chickens eat them, yum! The girls really enjoy gathering the eggs and the “farm” fresh eggs make the baked goods so much better tasting!
Rosemary says
I had a pet chicken and a pet rooster when I was about ten years old. Got them as chicks at Easter. So cute and I loved them dearly. All went well throughout the summer when they could stay outdoors. But it was too cold for them in the winter and they needed to be in a warmer place. Hence a terribly smelly basement until we found them a new home. Is your shed going to be warm enough in winter to keep the chicken from freezing?
Barbara says
Easter is almost here, come on Dad , how about an Easter baby chicken or two, or maybe a little duck, they are cuter. My daugher got an Easter Duck she named Rosie, and Rosie would stay in the back yard all day and come evening she would walk around to the front and roost in the corner of our front porch. at Dawn she would walk around to the back yard. and come to find out Rosie was not a goose she was a gander and would chase my mother n law every time she would come over. We finally had to take her out to someone’s farm and put him in their pond. Actually, Rosie was alot of fun , we had lots of laughs and love for that little duck, He was about 3 years old when we put him in the pond. So relax Dad, have some fun!!! Barb
Jennifer says
A couple of gorgeous little bantam hens would be perfect in the garden shed for this delightful little girl. Not a disadvantage to be found…kids and chickens are natural together and no better way to teach her about love, life, and responsibility than her own little flock. The garden will be better off and so will the lovely girl.
Debbie says
I would rather have a chicken than a goat or a pony. If it is her passion, how can he deny her?
Courtney says
Give the girl a chicken!!!! What is better then eating farm fresh eggs?
Becky says
I have known many people in the heart of suburbia and city for that matter that have set up their chicken coops and it seems to work very well. Dad, let her have the chickens, it is far better for her to experience this desire than many kids today are.
Cathy says
Dad, let Anna have her chickens! She’ll be winning blue ribbons at the local county 4-H fair in no time! What a wonderful experience!! 🙂
Sybil says
Go Anna! I’ve been thinking about getting some chickens myself. And tell Dad to remember, he won’t have to buy as many eggs!
moma says
I’ll be sharing on FB. Every woman+wife+mother could use a little help getting hubby to listen!
Joan Hamilton says
I always had a pet chicken when I was growing up. Neighbors shouldn’t complain about a hen, which is what I always had as a pet. They don’t make much noise. I think she should have a pet hen.
Tawnya says
awww. cute story and cute picture. Just wanted to leave a comment so you can reach 100! good luck!
Cindy says
I live in Fitzgerald, Ga and we have chickens running loose in the street. We love them all and take up for them regularly. I was pleased to see my first batch of bitties running down Main Street right behind their mom. Chickens are such good moms.
Christine says
So cute, good luck with changing his mind!
Kim says
I vote to get a chicken for the Chicken Whisperer. Fresh eggs for the family and a chicken for her, come on Dad!
Heather says
Aw, come on, give the girl a chicken! (Just be glad she’s not asking for a new puppy, like the one in the photo.)
Jeannie Hannon says
My vote goes for the “chicken whisperer” Come on Dad!!!
Anne Hartmann says
The chicken post caught my eye. Last night my 6 year old granddaughter called me about the “oviparous” animals they are learning about in kindergarden. I told her about the house wren that built a nest in my hose hanger a few weeks ago – the three eggs hatched yesterday.
amanda says
They keep bugs out of the yard, like grub worms and other little nasty lawn pests!! She looks to cute not to say no!
Ruth Moyes says
Most cities will allow hens but not roosters–guess people don’t want to be up at 4 am! We have 2 chickens and our grandchildren love taking care of them, not to mention eating the eggs. Chickens are perhaps some of the easiet animals to have!! Come on Dad give it a try
Millie Morgan says
Yes let her have a chicken dad, I grew up on a farm and we had chickens, ducks, guineas, Horses, cows, Hogs, and geese. Kept us busy all the time.
Wanda Gebhardt says
Yeah, Dad, get with it. I mean, how much trouble can one chicken be? I gave my 2-yr old nephew a baby duck for Easter on year and 40 years later I’m still waiting for revenge from my brother and sister in law :>)
KimW says
There is a farm catalog that sells a complete 1-3 chicken setup with nestboxes and a small enclosed yard. Best of all it’s on wheels so it can be moved. I would put down wire to keep burrowing critters away (raccoons, skunks weasels), and keep them supervised if they are out of the enclosure (hawks). I would adore to have a chicken or two if my homeowners association would allow it.
Add the chicken poop to the compost pile!
Patti says
We have chickens and my daughter loves them. You will be amazed how they can be trained and be really good pets. We let her pick out one of our newly hatched chicks and she trained it to come to her when she would say, “Come to Mama”.
Let her get it! It’s a valuable learning experience (sorry had to through that in).
Rhonda says
Dad…. I had a baby chick that I got for easter when I was about Anna’s age. I loved that chicken. It roamed free and had a great time. Followed me a lot. Get that girl a chicken Dad. You will be voted best Dad of all time. Plus, they eat bugs!!!
Peggy says
I had the same problem with my husband…I begged him for 3 years but he would not agree to have chickens. We got our first chicks on 3/26/2010 followed by two other batches in April. He now LOVES the chickens…loves to sit and watch them and listen to their chatter.
I would suggest at least 2 chickens…they are social critters. Some communities allow 2 or 3 hens…most do not allow roosters. BackyardChicken.com is a great starting point…lots of good info and many experienced folks ready to help the novice.
We have 22 hens. where we currently live in a small town but we are in the process of moving to a much larger city that requires livestock to be 100 feet from neighboring houses…our neighbors there include horses, goats, donkeys, and chickens. We are in zone 7b in Texas so we built a run 21ftx9ft that is very open to allow air flow during our hot summers. You will need 4 square feet/hen in a coop; 10 square feet/hen in a run (ours is covered with hardware cloth to keep out predators and a roof to keep out owls and hawks). If you are in a cold climate allow more room in the coop since your hens might be snowed in for days.
Best Wishes that your daughter gets her wish…tell Dad to read on BYC.com about how much fun it is to watch chickenTV.
carol says
I heard that you should have at least two chickens, to keep each company.
Danielle says
I’m sure a little cutie can eventually talk her daddy into a chicken. My father and 3 boys and I are starting on our own chicken tractor tomorrow. I was surprised how easy it was to talk my husband into after filling him in on how beneficial chickens can be by eating insects and “paying” their own way by supplying fresh eggs.
Gillian Wackowski says
we raised chickens growing up and I just convinced my husband to let me gt a flock. he loves the fresh eggs, watches them toodle around the yard some days, and loves that they eat the baby dandelions and bugs around the yard.
Vonnie says
My daughter raised chickens for a couple years and my grandkids LOVED it. Little Sam would chase them around the yard to hug them! Besides, now you will have fresh eggs!
Cindi says
Chickens are not a lot of work, they clean up kitchen scraps, and lay an egg nearly every day. My Pet Chicken.com will give you a lot of information. I think most city ordinances allow hens, but not roosters. Good luck. My four year old granddaughter is also a chicken lover, and carries our chickens all over the place.
Jonie says
I have wonderful memories of collecting eggs with my Grandmother when I was a child. Dad, get on board. Save your descending vote for something bigger – like when she wants to start dating at 14.
Amanda says
Just want to say that I raise chickens (also rabbits and ducks, and just aquired 3 horses) and it has been quite and experience. I have 2 children that love watching and interacting the animals. I think dad should let her have the chicken. Great to show the kids how the chicken comes from the egg and visa versa…
Amie says
I was considering some hens for our household but, in fact, our municipality does NOT allow them. It’s likely just as well, since we also have coyotes in the neighborhood and it’d be putting the hens at risk to live outside, anyway.
It would be horrible for your daughter if you got her chicks then you had to give it up later when your town issued you a citation. I’m siding with dad; it’s a much more sensible approach.
Daniel Buford says
I share you pain, Dad, but get over it. Chickens are wonderful, your daughter is wonderful, so let them get together in your backyard.
Daniel Buford says
I share you pain, Dad, but get over it. Chickens are wonderful, your daughter is wonderful, so let them get together in your backyard.
Jean says
My son raises chickens for eggs plus he just started raising some for food. He has learned alot from trial and error. When he was in kindergarten the class hatched eggs, of course no other parent would let their child take one of the chicks home, so guess who did? lol…. so now he has a daughter and wanted to do the same for her as I did for him. His daughter just loves them and is very possesive, even of the eggs, he has to sneek them out past her to give me some….very cute, come on dad, give her a baby chick to love!!!
Jean Phillips says
My daughter gets me brown eggs (I love brown eggs!) from a friend that are so big you can’t close the lid of a jumbo carton on some of them! What fun to raise some of these. Let that little cutie have some fun like that!
Julie says
Chickens are a lot of fun ~ I have a yard full of them! As chickens are flock animals you really should have at least 2 or more.
MyShunshyn says
Definitely! This girl needs a chicken, most municipalities allow for a small flock in a backyard. There is a lot of information at http://www.backyardchickens.com. Everyone in the forums is very helpful so read up and GET THAT GIRL A CHICKEN! Let’s go Dad!
We are getting our own flock started this year and can hardly wait.
Carol Wright says
Yes, let her get a couple pullet chicks – the chicks do like company. We’ve had chickens on this suburban lot – in fact, I’d like to buy four chicks at the farm store in a nearby town. The store clerk told me the chicks arrived today. The grands (not to mention me) would enjoy cuddling these chickens. Chickens are quiet – you should hear our neighbors’ dogs barking.
Cat says
Chickens are awesome. We have 1 dog, 2 cats, and 23 chickens. Started out with 8, 7 hens and a rooster. I just got 5 Americaunas because they lay blue and green eggs. I also, have a Cochin bantam and Silikie bantam roosters, and a polish bantam hen, and just got 8 silkie chicks (lost one yesterday). But I love my chickens. They are so fun to watch. Who needs TV. The Silkies are my favorites. Cotton balls on legs and so sweet and docile. Your daughter would learn so much from having chickens. I say chickens, because you really should have at least two as they are flock birds and would be happier with at least one other to be with.
Most suburbs now allow at least three hens. And if not, there are groups out there to help you get the law changed. Good luck. I hope she gets her chicken. They make wonderful pets, and the eggs are great benefits too.
Jill says
Chickens are awsome. My kids love our backyard chickens. They are easy to take care of. Farm fresh eggs are very good. They taste so much better than store baught eggs. They are good at keeping bugs down to. Chicks need chicks.
Christie says
We got baby chicks at the fair one year. They were so much fun to raise. But when they got big, we let them roam free. They would peck at our ankles every time we came home so we gave them away. Plus keeping them safe from hungry wild critters was difficult. As long as they are contained in an wild animal-proof coup, I think it would be a lot of fun! Why not try it? You can always find someone else who raises chickens that would be glad to take them off your hands if it doesn’t work out.
Danielle says
Anna has a vote from me for her quest in having a pet chicken. I always wanted a horse growing up, my dad wouldn’t let me have one even though we had a small farm. That desire never went away, I now have 2 horses, 2 donkeys, 2 dogs, one cat and 14 chickens. If you don’t let her have the chicken now she may grow up to be a chicken farmer and not the Doctor you were hoping for (just kidding).
If your area allows you to have chickens, I would recomend two so they have company. A fence to protect them from dogs and lock them up at night from Racoons and skunks etc… When they are small chicks be aware hawks love to eat them if given the chance. Hens are the best for a small child and keeping your neighbors happy.
Have a back up plan for the hens if it doesn’t work out so they will have a place to live. Be aware they can live up to 8 years old or more. Do your homework before you make your final decission and keep the chickens best intrest in mind please. There are enough unwanted critters in the world. I have a horse a dog and cat that are happy to have a home. Best of luck !
Joyce says
Anna definitely needs a chicken–maybe for Easter? I’d have one in an instant but I know our municipality doesn’t allow them and I doubt if our dog would tolerate it! Pllllllllllease Daddy?
Cindy says
Let her have the chicken. A great way to teach responsibility on caring and feeding, and the fresh eggs are great. Soon you will have neighbors asking for them, lots better than store bought. I grew up on the farm and we raised hundreds of layers, then when I got married I wanted a few chickens. My husband at first wouldn’t hear of it, but after I told him that they keep the weeds and bugs down, he agreed. My boys loved them and spent hours in the brooder house sitting and talking to the chicks. They had and still have pets.
bunny says
watch out for the roosters……they’ll have all the neighbours up before daylight. r r r r rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Mary Jones says
I have 35 chickens, my grandkids absolutely love them, I also have many visitors to my little farm. People bring their kids and grandkids here to see the chickens, a lot of home-schoolers come here too. I believe chickens are wonderful pets and your little girl could learn a lot from taking care of a chicken. Collecting eggs, what a delight it is for a child, come on Dad, they also provide fertilizer for the garden and eat bugs and slugs.
gale says
If your township is the problem, check at the town hall. There is always a loop hole. Ours was that you need 1 acre to have a horse but you need 5 acres to have a chicken! The loop hole—- if you belong to a bird club, fanciers, 4H exotic etc. you were exempt from the law. Cool huh! Kids need pets and they learn alot from them. It works both ways. Good luck with the chickens. You should raise at least 6. They stick together for warmth, shelter, safety and thrive much better.
Cynthia B. says
My husband and I have Cookoo Marans, barred rock, and aracana (Easter egg chickens). The best layers are the barred rock and they’re the friendliest,too. None of these breeds are aggressive. Each individual has her own clucks and assorted sounds. Hope you get to enjoy the experience of caring for your own chickens.
Susan Schmitz says
Well,my name Quilted Chick kinda says it all doesn’t it! My husband said we’d never have chickens, now we have 12! 3 are lovely speckled silkies, and one of them, Snoball, you can hold on her on her back, cradled in your arms like a baby and she coos and sleeps! They have 5 toes, and “fur” instead of feathers, their fur is fluffy like a cat. All of my quilting customers love them the best! The rest are Rhode Island Reds and lay beautiful brown eggs. Once he has a fresh egg, he won’t want store bought and he might just love that little chicken! Anna certainly seems to! Chickens are educational, and caring for a pet promotes responsbility and a nuturing attitude! Good luck Anna:)
Wendy Trevino says
Chicken make very good pets. They will accept love when you want to give it and will leave you alone when not hungry. They will lap sit and keep you warm. Growing up we had a Banty hen who would come into the house through the back door. (Raised in country with NO A/C). Go to the kitchen sink and lay her daily egg in the soap dish. She would raise ANYONE’s eggs-even peacocks-where she needed 2 to stay balanced. They also make good watchdogs by letting you know when someone is around. As long as you do NOT get a rooster (which crows) I don’t believe your city or neighbors will say no. Enjoy her.
Diana says
Think of all the fun memories raising a chicken would bring!!! Free eggs= priceless!
kr says
I have been wanting to have a couple of chickens myself!!! If only my neighborhood allowed it! Think of the great learning experience it will be for her!!! Go for it, Dad! They don’t stay young and interested long!!!!
Maxine says
Oh, you really should consider getting two and keep them safe. We have a Chinese gandergoose – his sister got loose and floated away in the stream = when the neighbors had them. He thinks that he is human = a woman took him to her pond – he only left the pond to go visit her neighbors who didn’t like that – we did so now we have him in a dog run and he’s great fun – very talkative – he’s over a year old now – big boy. Your child will love you forever and you’ll be grateful for the eggs!!!!
Nano says
I can’t say enough about my seven granddaughters and one grandson having their own chickens. Nano & Poppa has had the thrills & laughs of watching them pet and hold and train their pets. They are so excited to gather the eggs to which they love eating. Also, we have fun feeding them stale bread or buns. If you get hens you don’t have the crowing that might disturb neighbors. Hens or hen make a great pet & if you decide to get 4 – 6 you could offer the neighbors some very healthy eggs. Some of grandkids even sell theirs for extra spending cash. Come on Dad you will enjoy those memories for years to come.
Carol says
We used to live in an area where the zoning did not provide for owning chickens, however, we went to our neighbors and had them sign a letter stating that they did not have a problem with us having a limited number of chickens. We took the letter to the city and applied for a permit to own chickens and it was granted. We were allowed to own up to 9 hens and 1 rooster. Since then (20 years ago) we have moved and live in an area now that we can have chickens. We now raise several different kinds of chickens and incubate and sell the eggs. If you want your chickens to lay eggs regularly, feed them laying mash and provide 14 hours of daylight per day and a nest for them to ‘deposit’ their eggs. Also be sure you provide adequate safety from predators. Good luck.
Beverly Replogle says
Yup, she needs a chicken! I, too, would love to have chickens; 1) for the fresh eggs, and 2) because I LOVE to watch them pecking around the yard! Like your dilemma, my husband won’t allow it for 2 reasons. We’re told it is hard to keep the coyotes, hawks, and foxes from getting them (watching that happen to our neighbors flock proved him right), and the expense of feeding them just can’t fit the budget right now. But still it is a dream! I hope your little girl gets her dream!
cynthia says
Having a chichen is the greatest! I hand raised some awhile back and I had a rooster that was so people friendly that when I went for walks in the neighborhood He would either walk beside me or would sit on my shoulder for the entire walk. The neighbors got such a kick out of it that they would come by to give Roo a walk if I couldn’t. So Please, Please Dad let little one have a chichen for some of the funniest memory’s You could imagin !!
Cathy says
I definitely think she should have a couple of chickens! They are very social animals and also very intelligent! Anna would really enjoy raising them. I too would love to have some chickens (and may still if I get the bugs worked out!) They are sweet animals and I would love the fresh eggs 🙂 Dad, get her a couple of chicks to raise….please!!!
Terry says
You gotta get that girl a chicken. Actually, the previous commenter was right. Chickens are very social animals and you would need two. The good news is you can get a bantam breed that is the size of a large dove. They lay eggs just like their larger counter parts and make wonderful pets. I have 9 chickens (3 bantams, 5 large hens, and 1 rooster). I keep all of them in a coop that is 4 x 10. I let them out to free range in my yard when I get home in the evenings. You could keep two in a very small area. I never buy eggs at the store and I share with all my friends. I hope her daddy comes around. Chickens a so much fun to watch and you never need to buy compost again.
jim says
Every chicken needs a little Girl !
Lynda says
Dear Stacy, do your homework and find out what EXACTLY your city’s ordinances are, then build or buy a chicken tractor for them. For your family 1 to 3 hens should keep you in eggs and maybe even a few to share with the neighbors! There are so many good reasons to have chickens… they eat pesky garden bugs, make awesome pets, and will supply a little bit of fertilizer throughout the yard (if you have that movable chicken tractor). Oh, and don’t worry about cold weather unless it drops below freezing, and even then a well maintained brooder lamp will keep them warm on those nights. Oh yes, and there is a “Chicken Whisperer!” He can be on Facebook or by Googling. Hope this helps you!
Lynda
“:
Sara says
We have 7 buff ops, 3 doms and 2 nj giants. My 3 yr old loves them and has learned so much about caring for them. They have taught him to be calm and gentle or else they won’t come near him. He’s very excited to plant a garden this year to grow veggies for them.
Robin E. says
We currently have 5 chickens. Just make sure you’re properly prepared for them. You’ll need to check your municipalities rules first. We tried free ranging, but they got in the neighbor’s yard a few times and they complained, so now they are fenced. Also, make sure you have a proper and secure coop. Chickens are pretty defenseless, and there are a lot of predators out there waiting for a free meal. We had a lot of problems with raccoons. They are a lot of fun, and my girls love gathering the eggs. Go for it!
STS says
Check with your municipality. They may be considered livestock. Where I live if you have 2 acres and get no complaints. You may keep them. My neighbor had them but one of the other neighbors complained and the city came and tagged the coop. They had to get rid of them by sundown… broke everyones heart. I was looking forward to free eggs too!
linda says
Every girl NEEDS a CHICKEN!
Sue Larson says
Life is to short not to have a chicken. She will talk about how when she was a little girl her Mom and Dad let her have a chicken(s). My brother was allowed to hatch Monarch butterflies in our kitchen window when I was a child it was messy but beautiful. We would open the door and let them fly out. Maybe you will one day you will open the door also and let the chicken in for a visit.
ally says
I was raised on a Nebraska Chicken Farm. My twin sister and I lived with our grandparents and our only chore was to open the chicken house door. You can’t imagine how fast I ran to beat the Rhode Island Reds to the gate–it was a flood of chixs! We each took a baby chick as a pet and I carried mine around by it’s neck. He became a chicken with a verrrry lonnnnggg neck and had a very strange crow. Grampa would only raise Rhode Islands because they wouldn”t fly. They lay brown eggs. I wish you good luck if you decide to do this. The smell can be overpowering. You can’t cuddle up with a chicken. They also don’t come when you call. I never named my chicken, tho. Here chick-chick.
Mr. Bill says
My brother hatched a chicken from an egg in elementary school, and that bird would follow him around the house. The chicken had imprinted on him, and I remember how my mother talked about seeing the bird follow him where ever he went. My daughter has a chicken in town that just showed up at her house one day. The bird eats from the seed scattered from the feeder in the front yard, and roosts in a garage across the street. Her youngest has fun watching the chicken come and eat.
Mary says
C’mon Dad! Chickens make wonderful, quiet, undemanding pets. I’ve had several over the yrs. & I agree with some of the recommendations above re: Silkies. They seem to straddle the line between “livestock” & exotic bird, they’re small & adorable, & 2 of them would produce very little manure. Very easy keepers & I’m sure your daughter would just adore them.
Theresa says
When I was a youngster I had a pet hen along with many other hens that weren’t pets but they still wanted to be hugged. Keep the hen in the shed at night. Get some chicken wire and make her a small yard. They love to eat grass and scratch. You will have to clean the area because you can’t house break them. Good Luck! If I didn’t love to travel so much I would have some now that I am retired.
becky says
She should have two chickens, they will eat bugs in the yard & they do not stink. They’ll give you free eggs. I have three hens and love them.
Jennifer says
Great Story! I think every child should get to Experience taking care of a animal! It will be great learning responsibility for her and benefits for y’all to if its a Laying Hen! C’mon Dad! Reconsider! 🙂
Jane says
I favor the young lady getting a chicken….as long as it IS a hen! We had two hens for about 5 years: my husband made a lovely 6′ x 6′ chicken house with screen sides, a solid roof, and in the winter (here in PA) we added plexiglass panels on the sides to keep out most of the cold weather. Throw leaves or hay on the ground within the house, throw your kitchen garbage in the house, and the hen(s) will shred everything…then you put it in the compost pile, and in a short time you have the most beautiful compost!! Our garden thrived, as did Henny Penny and Henrietta. Our neighbors loved our hens too, and would often walk over to say hello to them! We gave them to a farmer when we were going to be away for an extended time, and boy! do I miss them!! Not to mention how I miss those wonderful eggs!!!
Joge says
Go for it Anna! Every child should be able to try things outside the comfort zone — sounds like this is perfect for her. Just be sure to securely close the shed door at night!
Jeanne says
I had a chicken, and she made a great pet. she will get attach to your daughter. it will be a great experience for her.
Jean says
I have 10 chickens and they are wonderful and easy to raise! Fresh eggs are so much better than those from the store! C’mon Dad!
coleen perdue says
To be considered. No neighbor is going to like chicken doodoo on her steps. Nowadays a lot of people work nights or have unusual sleeping hours and they object to having a rooster crow. In our subdivision keeping chickens is against the convents but the neighbor’s children have them (have ten acres) and we just look the other way. We firmly believe that animals are great for numerous reasons.
Mitzi says
We have 6 hens and they make fantastic pets! My kids love to show them off and we get fresh (salmonella free) eggs every morning!
Gail says
I myself want to get some chickens, but my husband is against it. I vote that dad gives Anna a chance to raise a couple to show how responsible she can be. There’s nothing better than hands-on experience to teach responsibility. It will give Anna self confidence as well in the knowing that she can keep these friendly creatures alive and healthy. I’m not sure if all chickens eat ticks, but I know Guinea hens do. In any case, they would eat the bugs in the yard, provide free fertilizer and eggs.
Jane says
Mother Earth News says they are easier to raise than a pet AND they produce eggs. Think of all the great protein… pets with a benefit. 🙂
Jeanne Kolar says
Let her have chickens,Dad! Mother Earth News has good articles about a small home flock. Check the library for back issues or look online – you can getdirections for building all kinds of coops, moveable or stationary, and pens etc. Backyard Poultry is one of my favorite magazines. We’ve had close to 50 chickens over the years and have loved them all-Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks,Bantam Silkies, and white Leghorns. Good luck and have fun.
Jeanne Kolar says
Let her have chickens,Dad! Mother Earth News has good articles about a small home flock. Check the library for back issues or look online – you can get directions for building all kinds of coops, moveable or stationary, and pens etc. Backyard Poultry is one of my favorite magazines. We’ve had close to 50 chickens over the years and have loved them all-Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks,Bantam Silkies, and white Leghorns. Good luck and have fun.
Katharine Chituras says
My younger daughter raised rabbits for eight years, and there were numerous challenges (not the least of these was our suspicion that three of the does had taken vows of chastity). One that was easy to fix was the fly and bug problem due to the rabbit droppings. We got a little Bantam hen we named Henrietta Penelope, She was a very dignified little soul who never thought of herself as small. It took no time at all for her to impress upon the cat and the dog that she was not to be annoyed, period. She kept our yard almost totally bug free, and she was a dear little pet who always came running when we called her. We have many funny stories about her; I may write a book some day. Do get Anna her hen, and I think a Bantam would be perfect. And if she starts sitting on small balls or stones, get her a couple chicks to raise or your poor little hen will wilt! The rabbits were sometimes a pain, but Henny P. never was.
Suzanne Knapp says
I see you have your 100 comments. 4 pets already–do they all get good time and attention? One more may be the one that breaks the camel’s back.
Kathy ouellette says
Love the idea. I’ve been thinking of getting a dozen or so myself. Just have to prepare a nice safe haven for them like a fenced in coop. We live in a “woodsie” neighborhood in NH and would need to take extra precaution against the wildlife.
Your little girl is a sweetheart. I’m sure you and dad will do what is best for her whatever that is.
Connie says
i have researched like crazy about chickens, i want a few as a pet. I also live in a small municipality & honestly i dont see the problem. Chickens are very hard to find here, i did infact order a few at a agway which will arrive in mid july. Also im thinking about buying a duck & i do have 2 dogs ….so dad let her have them …hope you get them & enjoy…im excited & cant wait for mine…
Rachel Carpenter says
Absolutely cute picture! How could anyone refuse such a sweet face? Can I borrow your picture to use to talk about kids and chickens?
Susan Horne says
I have one word for your daughter!! Chicken tractor!! Google it and they are sooo afforable and cute!!
kim says
not just one chicken though, chickens are social and need each other for warmth in the winter, predator protection, and company. They are not noisy and smelly, they are adorable and the best pets I ever had! Get at least 3.
Betty says
We always had chickens when I was a little girl…wonderful, affectionate little creatures! I’m on your daughter’s side!