Why we want to raise chickens

As is typical of our marriage, JM and I have agreed that we will blog separately but about the same topic. Coming from different cultures, countries, languages, ethnic backgrounds and sexes, we find we work better when we are in agreement, but apart. After 11 years of marriage, we find this works best for us.

So, why did we decide to raise chickens?

1) We have a very large back garden and I know next to nothing about planting and growing things beyond watering my house plants. I am aware there are lots of books/television shows/blog spaces and gardeners with loads of helpful advice to give. But the truth is, you cannot really interact with a plant, no matter how pretty it is. I know there are people who do talk to their plants and hug trees, but I always thought those relationships were pretty one-sided. So if I do not have the patience or inclination to tend to a garden (besides pay someone to clear out the dead leaves and cuttings once a year), what else can I do with all this green space and still enjoy it?

2) JM and I have been in discussion for a number of years about getting another house pet besides the one cat we already have. The discussions usually went like this:
JM: Let's get a rabbit.
Maisha: Too much work. Besides, a rabbit is a rodent and I don't like rodents. No.
JM: Let's get a ferret.
Maisha: Eeew. Too much like a rodent. No.
JM: Let's get a guinea pig.
Maisha: Aren't those rodents? Besides, the cat will try and eat it. No.

So last week I was sitting in my garden pondering what do do with all this green space and it occured to me that having a few chickens pecking around out there would be nice. For parts of my childhood, I was fortunate enough to have chickens and I know they can make nice pets. Granted I would not recommend having one curl up next to you in the bed at night (that's what cats and husbands are for), but I remember them as being lively, curious and friendly. And you get fresh eggs every day. So not a bad deal.

3) Being an urban eco-goddess is not easy. Especially with a large family. I try to cut back on the amount of food we waste with limited success. But if we had chickens, all that stale bread and vegetable peelings could be put to good use by very grateful recipients. Some people would suggest we get a compost bin for all that food waste. But then we go back to the whole issue of using the compost for planting and gardening - and I've already explained why I have been hesitating on that one (for those with short memories - read point #1).

So those are my reasons. I will leave JM to explain his reasons. Until next time...