Chickens can provide a breath of fresh air in our busy urban lifestyle, and they are a great compliment to backyard gardening. They are small, easy to care for, and won't take up your entire yard. In addition to a regular supply of eggs, chickens are fun. Every chicken has a personality—and lots of it. Chickens also provide essential compost material, ultimately enriching your garden. If you’ve ever thought about keeping chickens in your own backyard, we are here to help.

Fresh eggs from backyard chickens are healthier and tastier. They have 25% more vitamin E, 33% more vitamin A, and 75% more beta carotene. They also have significantly more omega-3 fatty acids than factory farmed eggs. The average laying hen will produce about 260 eggs a year, but production depends much on the breed and the environment. The happier the hens, the more they will produce. Factory farm chickens live their lives in an environment designed to produce eggs quickly and cheaply with no regard for quality of life. The result is an egg that is less nutritious than eggs produced by chickens allowed to exercise, peck for bugs and engage in their natural chicken-y behavior.

Tending chickens is even easier than caring for a dog. Backyard chickens can be fun for kids and can provide lessons about responsibility and where food comes from. There is no walking the chickens or even giving them a bath. But chickens do require a fresh supply of food and water, and the coop must be cleaned regularly. Among these chicken-related chores, the daily collection of eggs is bound to be the favorite.