Consider benefits of backyard hens

Yes, you mentioned several ways that raising your own chickens in your backyard would be helpful to a family. It might be wise, though, to gather more information about hens before listing possible disadvantages they would pose for the general public.

Their smell? This is nonexistent. Their undesirable leave-behinds (since they would be penned in, that is where they would leave them for the owner to use as fertilizer on his garden) and the rooster's early crowing each day were also pointed out. Since a rooster does not lay eggs, there would be no reason to include one in the flock of hens. Therefore, no crowing - just the contented clucking of the hens as they peck for their food.

In contrast to the horrible conditions chickens currently endure and the dangers that exist for the public in eating eggs (or any product containing eggs) produced in such conditions, having a very small flock of hens in your own backyard seems like a very good idea. Consider the rudeness of our ever-present geese for a change.

Patricia D. Herrmann

Arlington Heights