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Pet Chickens: The New Backyard Companion
By Amy Hackworth
There are more people than you think who are keeping chickens as pets. If you were to ask, chances are you probably have several customers that already keep them. They have become very popular in recent years. They don’t need a lot of space and aren't a drain on your wallet. In fact, if you sell your extra eggs, chickens can come close to paying for their food bill. Not only do they lay fresh eggs, but they are excellent for tick control and providing wonderful fertilizer for the garden.
We have most of the basics that you need to put together a chicken section in your store. Ware & Kaytee offers some beautiful coops, as well as other necessities, including nest boxes, waterers, feeders and even toys. Yes, chickens play with toys. One of my pet chickens favorites are the Ware or Kaytee treat balls filled with assorted greens. Just fill ‘em up and watch those hens go! When colder weather comes along, heat pads and thermos waterers are available from K&H manufacturing.
Mite & lice infestations are the most common problem associated with keeping chickens. You can keep these bugs at bay by dusting coops, nest boxes and the chickens themselves for year round control with Lumino Diatomaceous Earth. Scrapes and sores can also be treated with Vetericyn Poultry Care as an all-purpose, anti-biotic free, anti-bacterial spray. Both of these are completely safe to be used on and around your chickens.
I have about 3 years’ experience keeping pet chickens and have truly enjoyed their companionship. They will follow you around the yard and even into the house if you’re not careful. They are also great garbage disposals for aging fruits and vegetables. Most of all, they are really fun to name: Zaxby, Bojangle’s, Popeye, KFC, Nugget, Dumpling…. (by the way, I just keep my pets for eggs, not food).
Click any of the links below to see our chicken product from the following vendors: