CHAPTER 40. BENEFITS OF RAISING CHICKEN
- Madhukar Dama
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
About 4 months ago, Adhya & Anju decided to start their own backyard poultry farm. And we bought a pair of Chicken. A Hen & a Rooster. They named them Goldie & Rooney.
Goldie laid 9 eggs. 8 of them hatched to give chickens. One of the chicks named Golden Love was stolen by a wild cat! So, they now have 9 birds which they call, Goldie, Rooney, Affi, Diamond Love, Black Kit, Cheetah, Lola, Blackey & Chup-Chup.
Backyard poultry farming offers numerous benefits for our daughters, Adhya and Anju, who are homeschooling and managing a flock of nine birds.
Beyond just raising chickens, this experience provides practical advantages, educational opportunities, and social-emotional growth. Here’s a detailed look at what they gain and learn from their backyard poultry farm:
Practical Benefits
Fresh, Organic Eggs : With nine birds, Adhya and Anju enjoy a steady supply of fresh, organic eggs. These are healthier and tastier than store-bought options, giving the family a direct reward for their efforts. Absolutely no smell during cooking and while washing utensils because the eggs are not stored at all.
Natural Fertilizer : The poultry manure they collect is used as an excellent organic fertilizer, enriching the soil in our backyard garden and supporting plant growth naturally.
Pest and Weed Control : Chickens love to forage, and in doing so, they naturally reduce insects and weeds. This cuts down on the need for chemical pesticides, keeping the backyard ecosystem healthier. We have seen the birds kill poisonous insects & reptiles.
Food Security : Their small flock contributes to our family’s food security by providing a sustainable source of protein through eggs.
Educational Benefits
Homeschooling pairs wonderfully with hands-on activities like poultry farming, and Adhya and Anju are gaining a wealth of knowledge from their birds:
Responsibility and Routine : Caring for the chickens requires daily tasks like feeding, watering, and cleaning. This teaches them discipline, time management, and the value of consistent effort.
Biology and Life Cycles : They get a front-row seat to the life cycle of chickens—from eggs hatching to birds maturing—offering practical lessons in animal biology and behavior.
Nutrition : Figuring out what their birds need to eat sparks curiosity about nutrition, both for the chickens and themselves. They’ll learn how a balanced diet supports health and egg production.
Economics and Resource Management : Tracking the costs of feed, bedding, and other supplies introduces them to budgeting and resource allocation. If they sell extra eggs, they could even explore small-scale entrepreneurship.
Sustainability : By composting manure and avoiding synthetic chemicals, they’re learning eco-friendly practices and the principles of sustainable living.
Social and Emotional Benefits
Beyond the tangible rewards, poultry farming enriches Adhya and Anju’s personal growth:
Connection to Nature : Spending time with their birds fosters a deeper appreciation for living things and the natural world, grounding them in their environment.
Teamwork and Bonding : Working together to care for the flock strengthens their sibling relationship and teaches them how to collaborate effectively.
Problem-Solving and Resilience : Challenges like protecting the chickens from predators or addressing health issues require creative thinking and perseverance, building their confidence and adaptability.
Through their backyard poultry farm, Adhya and Anju are doing more than raising nine birds—they’re cultivating essential life skills, exploring scientific and economic concepts, and developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship. It’s a hands-on education that blends biology, sustainability, and teamwork, all while enjoying the simple pleasures of fresh eggs and happy hens.
Take Care