Chickens are family, too

Hello!

From the moment they hatched, I’ve been lucky to count our small flock of chickens as part of my family. Whether our chickens are sharing snacks or running across our yard to greet their human companions, these funny feathered friends keep showing me that they are unique, spirited individuals—just like me and you. 

Curious about what that chicken life looks like up close? Here are a few things I’ve learned from being a chicken mom.

Being surrounded by chickens at my home (which is not a farm!) has been such a remarkable experience from day one. They are companions who seek our presence, even on our worst days. 

Every time I open my door and the chickens are outside of their coop, they ALL come running to say hello and I can’t help but laugh and smile.

Figuring out a best friend’s favorite food is part of making anyone—companion animal or person—feel like part of the family, and chickens are no different. I get to experience the chickens’ quirky personalities, just like any other pet. 

Every day I have the opportunity to see how they all get along, figure out their favorite food (it’s watermelon!), notice their favorite part of the yard, see which is their preferred nesting box, and watch them indulge in dust baths. Seeing them feel so happy and at home just warms my heart.

Many chicken parents have found that their feathered friends love watermelon—especially as a cool, hydrating summertime treat.

My chickens have taught me so many things. They have taught me how to be more empathetic and responsible, and how to listen deeply.

Every chicken’s cluck has a distinct tone. If something is wrong, I have to learn how to properly tend to each hen’s need and care for them adequately.

And just like people, chickens value connection and caring. While from afar chickens may not seem to long for interaction and companionship, up close they are the complete opposite. Though some chickens are more lively while others are more reserved, all of my chickens long for love and affections.

I can’t help but imagine that if my chickens had been raised on a factory farm—like most chickens in the food industry—they would’ve only lived to see their first birthday if they were producing eggs. If my chickens were raised for meat, they wouldn’t have lived long enough to figure out their favorite foods, bond with their fellow chickens, or experience attentive love and care. Worse, they would’ve been tortured: shoved into crates, risking broken bones and living in extreme pain, then suffering through a horrific process called live-shackle slaughter. 

No animal deserves this. Together, we can demand an end to live-shackle slaughter, and create a world where chickens are treated with the respect they deserve.

TAKE ACTION

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to give my chickens a fulfilled and healthy life: whether through enjoying endless dust baths, grazing in the yard after a rainy day, or snacking on a cool watermelon in the shade. 

I hope that one day, all chickens will experience the same. 

For the animals,

P.S. We can work together to hold corporations accountable for profiting from abusive practices like live-shackle slaughter. Will you join us in sending an instant message today?