![\"farm](\"https:\/\/www.naturemoms.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/farm-fresh-eggs.jpg\" "\\"Why")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For those of us who live an organic lifestyle (or try really hard to), it\u2019s knowing where our food comes from that matters to us most.\u00a0 What confirmed my conversion was learning my son\u2019s developmental delays were due to a dysfunctional digestive system and vitamin deficiency.\u00a0 Since his system can\u2019t efficiently remove toxins, I have to minimize his exposure.\u00a0 My sister\u2019s organic choices are based on healthy eating and being environmentally conscious.\u00a0 Both of us have chicken coops in the backyard because homegrown organic eggs are an important way we can contribute to our family\u2019s health and be environmentally \u201cgreen\u201d.<\/p>\n
Many supermarkets today do a terrific job carrying organic products, but that still requires us to trust a label.\u00a0 The term \u201ccertified organic\u201d can be really confusing because of differing state regulations and industries.\u00a0 Raising your own backyard hens in a chicken-tractor has some distinct advantages over the carton of organic eggs purchased in a store.\u00a0 It can be achieved in even very small backyards.\u00a0 Here are some of the advantages:<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No egg is more rewarding than eating the one you just collected that morning from your own chickens.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You know exactly what you are eating because you feed the chickens \u2013 grass, scraps, organic feed, soy-free feed, etc\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 Grass-fed or pastured chickens have the highest levels of Omega 3, beta carotene, and vitamin E in their eggs compared to store bought.<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unless you buy local organic eggs, there is the carbon footprint from shipping and transportation (may even be out-of-state).<\/p>\n
4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you have children, chickens are perfect way to communicate the values of responsibility and informed food choices.\u00a0 Kids these days are disconnected to the origins of food.\u00a0 Many have never seen a live farm animal, much less tended one.<\/p>\n
5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Proper use of a chicken-tractor fertilizes the yard with no use of chemicals.\u00a0 It\u2019s green living.<\/p>\n
6)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chickens are fun and beautiful animals.\u00a0 They can provide hours of entertainment (running, pecking, exploring) and many become beloved household pets.<\/p>\n
7)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Home raised chickens are happy chickens.\u00a0 They don\u2019t live in tiny cages or have their beaks cut off.\u00a0 They aren\u2019t stuffed with medication or forced to molt. They can live a carefree lifestyle envious of anyone.<\/p>\n
8)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chicken owners are like a special community.\u00a0 You\u2019ll connect with people who have a fascinating view on life, just like you.<\/p>\n
Even with these terrific reasons for raising backyard chickens, many still hesitate.\u00a0 There are the questions of time, money, convenience, city regulations, and all that chicken poop.\u00a0 For you doubters, here are some answers:<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tending chickens, like any other pet, does take time.\u00a0 Some make it an extensive hobby but it doesn\u2019t have to be. \u00a0A lot of it depends on how the tending is arranged.\u00a0 Getting the right coop makes a huge difference.\u00a0 Make sure the family is on board in their participation, and get connected with other chicken owners.\u00a0 There is a vast online community happy to help.\u00a0 Owning chickens 20 years ago and owning them now are worlds apart (kind of like raising kids).<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chickens are a long-term investment and require upfront capital to get started, but keep in mind the returns are more than saving a few bucks at the grocery store (reference the list above).\u00a0 A hen can lay eggs for many years.\u00a0 A good coop can also last many years.\u00a0 In any case, certified organic eggs are the most expensive eggs to purchase so breaking even in the long run is not impossible.<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Modern society is all about convenience. We want it all with little effort on our part. Well chicken coop manufacturers have caught on and the options appear endless (like that helps).\u00a0 I recommend a chicken-tractor for backyard poultry owners because of its size and benefits.\u00a0 These can be tricky to build so getting a reliable, prefab one will save a lot<\/span> of heartache.\u00a0 Believe me, there is a whole science to building a quality coop.\u00a0 Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand.\u00a0 You get what you pay for. Here are some quick shopping tips for making a selection:<\/p>\n 4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Most cities have a regulation regarding poultry or livestock in your backyard.\u00a0 Many cities allow for chickens in small numbers and without roosters.\u00a0 If you aren\u2019t sure and don\u2019t want to risk a fine, check it out in advance.\u00a0 If they aren\u2019t legal you can bet there are citizens already petitioning for a change.\u00a0 Help them out. Chickens are becoming very urban.<\/p>\n Besides eating healthy, backyard chickens are a great family project or personal hobby.\u00a0 If you have computer savvy kids, get them to research chicken breeds, coops, and social networks for support.\u00a0 Set aside a family day to build or assemble the coop.\u00a0 Pick chicken names.\u00a0 Argue over who gets to collect the fresh eggs. Wow friends and extended family with a tasty, fortifying quiche (spinach from the garden, right?).\u00a0<\/p>\n Organic living is not just about consumption choices, it\u2019s about quality of life.\u00a0 With homegrown organic eggs there is never a dull moment.\u00a0 You can learn more about chicken coops and care at www.tufclimatecoop.com. \u00a0\u00a0Also find your closest source of organic chicken feed at www.organicfeeds.biz.<\/p>\n\n