Have you ever wondered about the incredible benefits of keeping chickens? Personally, adding a flock of backyard chickens has been a life-changing experience, shaping my lifestyle in ways I never anticipated. Now, I can’t imagine my life without them.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve compiled a list of the top 9 surprising health benefits that chickens have brought into my life.
These unexpected benefits have not only added to my daily life but have also positively influenced my overall health. As you explore this list, I hope you find inspiration to welcome chickens into your life too!
9 Surprising Health Benefits of Keeping Chickens
#1 Watch Every Sunrise and Sunset
Syncing with the rhythm of nature, keeping chickens allows you to witness the beauty of every sunrise and sunset while caring for your flock. Now I watch every sunrise as I’m out feeding my flock and see the evening sunsets as I close them up at night. Getting up now with the sun I naturally go to bed earlier, and this has kept my sleeping schedule much more consistent. Watching how excited my chickens are when they get to start their day in the mornings has given me a new appreciation for how lucky we are to have a fresh start and a day full of potential.
#2 Movement and Exercise
Speaking of getting out to feed and take care of your flock is all the extra walking you will do. Before chickens, my average daily steps were around 4,500. Since adding chickens to my life my daily steps are now around 6,800. The routine care and attention your flock requires inadvertently encourages physical activity. I walk down my hill to my chicken coop a few times every day whether it is to feed, clean, gather eggs, or simply spend time with them, no matter the weather. Even when it’s raining my chickens still need food, so they are a great built-in way to stay active.
#3 Embrace Nature and Sunshine
Immerse yourself in the therapeutic effects of nature by spending quality time outdoors with your chickens. Breathe in the fresh air, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and let the calming presence of your chickens and nature contribute to your overall well-being. Spending time outside with my chickens has been a favorite way of mine to unwind from the day. I put my phone away (unless of course, I am taking photos and videos of them!) and watch my flock peck and scratch around looking for tasty bugs and plants.
You will also take advantage of the sunlight while spending time with your flock. Exposure to natural sunlight not only benefits you by promoting vitamin D synthesis but also helps by enhancing your mood and supporting your overall well-being.
#4 Peace and Mental Wellbeing
Building onto the benefits of movement and being outside in nature is the peace and mental well-being you receive from your chickens themselves. Watching their social interactions and carefree moments adds happiness and a sense of peace to your daily life.
There is a study “Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment reveals mental health benefits of birdlife” by Ryan Hammoud that was published in 2022 that found a link between mental health well-being and being around birds.
I love to sit with my chickens while they dust bathe, especially when they relax and fall asleep with their friends’ mid-bath. If you have ever done a meditation and had a sense of deep peace – that is what I would most closely connect this experience to.
#5 Eating Healthier
Having fresh eggs every morning from my flock is a great way to start the day with a nutritious meal. Lately, my husband has taken up growing tomatoes and basil, so our breakfasts now are all food grown right on our mini farm.
Looking into different herbs for my chickens and their healing properties has made me realize how beneficial they can be. Adding herbs to their diet boosts their immune systems and can do the same for your health by adding different herbs to your meals.
#6 Chickens Are the Gateway to Homesteading
I’ve heard that chickens are considered the gateway to homesteading, and I couldn’t agree more! Gathering fresh eggs daily from my hens has not only been a delightful experience but has also motivated us to expand our homegrown food efforts. Cultivating your own food not only provides the joy of a daily harvest but also fosters a profound connection to your food sources, paving the way for a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. Just think the journey with chickens might just lead you to a more connected and sustainable way of living.
#7 Community Building – Connecting with Fellow Chicken Keepers
I started this chicken blog as a way to share my love for keeping chickens and the experiences I’ve gathered along the way. Beyond spending time with my flock, I enjoy learning about chicken keeping and different breeds through books, blogs, videos, and podcasts.
There are numerous ways to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for chicken keeping. Options include joining the American Poultry Association, attending shows, participating in forums, and becoming part of various breeders clubs. For those without chicken-keeping friends nearby, social media offers a great platform to connect with fellow chicken keepers. Seeing others share their experiences, cute chicken photos, tips, and stories is something I always look forward to.
#8 Mindful Living through Chicken Care
A lesson my chickens are always reminding me of is to live in the moment. They go about their day with such enthusiasm and truly enjoy every activity. Whether they are just getting off the roost for the morning, excitedly running out to look for bugs, or taking their time to roll around and dust bathing with their friend, chickens are happy with where they are right now.
Another way to make space for mindfulness is to create a therapeutic daily routine centered around your chickens. From morning chores to evening coop checks, the structured care and interaction with your chickens can provide a sense of purpose and rhythm, contributing to reduced stress and increased mental well-being.
#9 To Know the Love of a Chicken
And finally, to know the love of a chicken. I never knew just how loving and affectionate chickens could be. Before keeping chickens I imaged them to keep to themselves and not interact too much. I definitely didn’t expect the level of affection and love they would bring!
Spending time with your chickens is the best way to form a connection with your flock. While some chicken breeds can be more affectionate than others, if given enough time and opportunity your chickens will want to be around you. For me the time I dedicate in the evenings allows my chickens to hang out with me. I typically always have a few chickens sitting in my lap and on my chair. They love taking turns getting attention. Batter, my sweet Buff Orpington, even loves to give her best version of a human hug!
I talk even more in depth on the intelligence of chickens and their ability to form bonds with their people in my post on Raising Friendly Chickens.
This post was all about the health benefits of keeping chickens that I’ve experienced. I hope this list inspires you to find the happiness and peace chickens can bring into your life too.
Mindful Practices to Build Trust and Bond with Your Chickens
If you are looking for ways to build trust and bond with your chickens, this post is for you! Let’s explore how building a relationship with your chickens goes…
Continue Reading Mindful Practices to Build Trust and Bond with Your Chickens
What Horses Taught me About Relationship Building with Roosters
What my life working with horses has taught me about relationship building with roosters and how it can help you too.
Continue Reading What Horses Taught me About Relationship Building with Roosters
Top 11 Chicken First Aid Kit Essentials to Have On Hand
Having supplies on hand when you need them can be invaluable. As chicken keepers we know that our chickens can get injured or need additional help from time to…
Continue Reading Top 11 Chicken First Aid Kit Essentials to Have On Hand
Taking Your Chicken to the Vet in Puerto Rico
Having a health issue with your chicken? Thankfully, there are several veterinary practices in Puerto Rico that will see chickens! As chicken keepers, we all want the best for…
Continue Reading Taking Your Chicken to the Vet in Puerto Rico
A Kinder Approach to Working with a “Aggressive Rooster”
Are you finding yourself looking for ways to work better with your rooster? Perhaps you’ve read or been told about some of the traditional and old-school methods suggested for…
Continue Reading A Kinder Approach to Working with a “Aggressive Rooster”
The Joy of Being Broody: Adopting Chicks with Your Hen
Do you have a broody hen sitting diligently in her nest box, dreaming of having her very own baby chicks? Adopting chicks with your hen is the way to…
Continue Reading The Joy of Being Broody: Adopting Chicks with Your Hen
Hi there! I’m Jess, a backyard chicken keeper living on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. With my flock of 15 friendly chickens, my mission is to help others feel confident about raising happy, healthy, and super friendly chickens. My dream is that everyone gets to know the love of a chicken and experience the joy they bring to your life.
Leave a Reply