Well, that’s entirely up to you! I’ve had chickens since 2017, and I still have them, so needless to say, I don’t regret it one bit. Sure, I’ve learned a lot along the way, but I knew from the start that keeping chickens was a commitment. It takes some effort—especially in the beginning—but now, they’re just part of my daily life. Honestly, I can’t imagine not having them.

I’ll admit, I’m completely hooked on fresh eggs (who wouldn’t be?), and that’s a big reason I keep going. But beyond that, my chickens are downright entertaining. They keep me, my friends, my grandkids, and even my dog amused for hours. Whether we’re sitting in the backyard watching them or—more often than not—watching the dog and grandkids chase them, they’re always good for a laugh.

Now, if you sat down and made a list of all the reasons not to have chickens, it would probably be a long one. But at the end of the day, it really comes down to who you are and what you enjoy.

Personally, I look forward to spring when I can finally take down the tarps I use to protect the coop from the harsh New England winters. Every year, I tweak my setup to make it more efficient, and this year, I finally nailed it—clear tarps hung on special clips. The satisfaction from small victories like that? Very rewarding!

Spring also means it’s time for my annual coop cleanout. I rake out the winter straw (which I lay down in the fall for warmth) and replace it with a fresh layer of construction sand in the run. My chickens love it—they spend all summer happily dust bathing in it.

I get a kick out of their unique personalities! They eventually establish a pecking order and work out most of their squabbles, but occasionally, I have to step in as the mediator. I actually enjoy finding creative ways to eliminate coop discord and keep them entertained.

There’s something deeply satisfying about continually improving my hen house setup to ensure it’s a safe, comfortable habitat. I firmly believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you build a predator-proof coop and take the right health precautions, you’ll save yourself a ton of hassle—and heartache—and have way more fun in the process.

If what’s fun for me sounds like a lot of work to you, then chickens might not be the best fit. But if you enjoy the process as much as the rewards, you’ll find yourself in good company—it’s amazing how many of us are out there! We all have our own methods, tailored to our setups and flock sizes, but we share the same love for the experience.