How to Care For a Pet Exotic Chicken

Yes, chickens make great pets. And you get the bonus of the freshest eggs anywhere. They are considered to be an exotic pet because a chicken is a bit out of the ordinary. But if you pick one of the more unusual chicken breeds, you have the added fun of entering your exotic pet in a show, just as you would a cat or dog.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A large property
• A vet who is an expert in farm animals
• Chicken coop
• Chicken wire to make a secure enclosure

1. Check your local zoning ordinance. Do this before you invest in an exotic chicken only to find out you cannot keep chickens as pets. You may have a large property, but that will not matter if there is an ordinance against them.

2. Build your coop and enclosure. Unless you are really a good craftsman, it might be wise to buy a coop from a commercial manufacturer. A coop should be elevated off the ground to keep any predators at bay. Make sure you securely enclose their area. Chickens like to dig around, and they will eat their share of bugs, worms and some weeds. Make sure they have a variety in their compound. Also, make sure you have an appropriate container for their food and a source of clean running water.

3. Read all you can. Do your homework. Read up on all the exotic breeds and the diseases your new exotic pet might come down with.

4. Pick the type of pet you want. By this I mean the breed, as well as a hen or rooster. Roosters are beautiful, but they can be a bit on the nasty side. Unless you are in the country, your neighbors will not appreciate being awakened at sunrise every day.

5. Keep up with regular care. Chickens are not that hard to take care of. Give them proper housing, with heat if necessary, and proper food. Once a month, clean out the chicken house, change the bedding and pick up your free fertilizer that your exotic pet chickens have made for you. In the spring and fall, give your chicken's home a good clean out with a disinfectant.

Tips & Warnings

• Chickens are outdoor animals and should be kept outdoors. With chickens kept indoors, there have been cases of salmonella reported.

Resources

• Books
• Chicken Coops
• Best Friends
• Feeders
• All About Chickens

[PattyOh]

on 2/21/2008 Pet chickens? Now I've heard it all!!! Great idea for really fresh eggs : )