A couple of weeks in the past, a lifelong dream got here true: I welcomed a trio of brown hens to our small, city yard. These perky transplants from Petaluma wasted no time exploring their new environment and had been particularly keen to take a look at their futuristic-looking coop and hunt for bugs within the grass.
Birds have at all times been a few of my favourite animals. As a baby, I had a selected fascination with parrots, however any form of chicken would do. That’s how one fateful day on the library, the place I used to be as soon as once more searching for books on birds, I discovered a quantity about chickens. I knew so much about wild animals and pets, however not about farmed birds. The contents of mentioned hen guide had been sufficient to show this younger teenager right into a steadfast vegetarian, and my love for farmed animals solely grew over time.
I used to be thrilled then to lastly be able to undertake three rescued hens from Animal Place, a Bay Space nonprofit group that saves business layer hens from being killed, or what the hen producers wish to name “depopulated” as soon as their productiveness declines even just a little.
Fortunately for Henrietta, Frida Lays and Poulette, they had been among the many few that made it to sanctuary as a substitute. And whereas I received’t fake my husband doesn’t get excited each time he spots an egg of their nesting field, their price to us is just not primarily based on their productiveness or business worth. Chickens, it should be mentioned, make completely fantastic pets. Sensible, curious and treat-motivated, they're extremely trainable and stuffed with persona. To not brag, however the trio found out their treadle feeder (the place the chickens must step on a pedal to raise a lid and entry the feed, which is protected against rain and rodents) in 4 days — properly forward of the producer’s three-week coaching schedule.
I actually benefit from the time I spend with my chickens. I purchased an automated coop door, which safely tucks the hens in at night time and most significantly, lets them again exterior after dawn whereas I’m nonetheless cozy in mattress. Whereas they’re usually quiet, I’ve grown keen on their occasional egg music (a form of serenade that lasts for only some minutes) in addition to their expectant little clucks every time they discover me strategy.
Earlier than leaping on the yard hen bandwagon, nevertheless, make sure to analysis native ordinances pertaining to chickens, in addition to your flock’s wants almost about housing, provides and veterinary care such as you would with another pet. A significant benefit of adopting an grownup hen out of your native animal shelter or rescue group is that you simply’ll know what gender your hen is. Figuring out gender in chicks is just not at all times correct and also you may find yourself with a rooster as a substitute of a hen. Whereas roosters are good for the flock since they function safety, many municipalities don’t enable them. Usually, when folks understand they've roosters on their fingers, they abandon them or give up them to shelters. An effective way to keep away from this conundrum is to undertake an grownup, because you’ll know what you’re getting.
After I obtained nearer to taking the plunge, I made a decision to seek the advice of with an skilled, Isabelle Cnudde, who runs a small Bay Space hen sanctuary known as Clorofil, and who frequently teaches informational courses with the aim of supporting chicken-curious residents. And if you happen to’re additionally considering of getting chickens, you’re in luck. Her subsequent on-line class, “Gearing up for Pet Chickens,” is at 10 a.m. March 19 on-line. Register without spending a dime or a donation at clorofil.org/be taught.
Carina DeVera is the digital advertising and marketing supervisor at Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and tales concerning the folks and animals in our group. Go to marinhumane.org, discover us on social media @marinhumane, or e mail lbloch@marinhumane.org.