Bringing Up Birds: Raising Chickens and Other Backyard Fowl

Ten years ago my husband brought home a Peking duckling. I was quite surprised and not really sure what to do with it. My husband was raised around many farm animals and he just assumed we’d raise the duck and then eat him. The duck grew on me, seemed to develop a personality and took residence in our backyard.  I named him “Salvation” because I saved him from my husband’s belly. Now ten years later our family has three ducks, a turkey and 16 chickens.

My children have never known a life without backyard fowl, although the particular birds have changed over the years. They have learned a lot from the little cluckers. My son is responsible for egg retrieval so he has practiced responsibility and care. Both children help to feed and water the birds which has taught them about stewardship of life.

Unfortunately most chickens do not have long lives. Because of this, our children were exposed to death from an early age, so they have learned about the circle of life. Oh, and did I mention that raising chickens and other backyard fowl is fun? We once had a chicken named Goldie who acted just like a cat. She let you pick her up and pet her and she would love up on your leg. Our turkey will “talk” to you and our rooster fights with owls. He is one tough rooster. We also have a few ducks who act like the three stooges. Talk about backyard entertainment.

Domesticated fowl are easy to raise. Just make sure they have plenty of clean water, shelter, food and are protected from predators.  They will also lay more eggs if they have somewhere nice and cozy to do their business. Here is a picture of our nest boxes.

Other than the learning opportunities and entertainment the birds provide, they also contribute to our household in two very important ways: the girls all lay eggs and the chickens all eat scorpions.  You can’t really beat that in this desert.

And in case you were wondering, we very rarely eat any of our birds. We did eat a mean turkey for Thanksgiving one year and my husband stewed some rowdy roosters, but I manage to keep most of the birds in “protected wildlife” status.

Does your family keep any atypical animals around?  What do they contribute to your life? Feel free to leave a comment. Share and let’s talk about it.