Helpful Tips for Raising House pet Chickens
Housepet Chicken Tips. Photo Lil Snowball and her kitty. CHOE
Making the decision to raise a chicken as a house pet is a decision that should be thought through very carefully. There are many things to consider. You must remember that chickens can make a lot of noise. Roosters crow early in the morning and when intruders, guests or predators are near. Hens make a lot of noise during egg laying time or if they need something from you and chickens make lots of messes. Bantams , Silkies, Serama, Old English Bantams and other small breeds are the best breed for a house pet chicken because they are small, sweet and smart and you can keep them in their cage while you are away from home without worrying about them. Larger chickens should have an outdoor covered protected pen and shelter if you are going to leave them outside when you are away. Put a low voltage electric fence around their coop and run area for better protection.
You should be a patient, easy going, tolerant and loving person who does not mind a bit of messiness. If you are a very picky, clean freak type personality, you may not want a chicken for a house pet. Chickens as house pets require training, proper care and lots of outdoor time.
You should be a patient, easy going, tolerant and loving person who does not mind a bit of messiness. If you are a very picky, clean freak type personality, you may not want a chicken for a house pet. Chickens as house pets require training, proper care and lots of outdoor time.
Where to keep your pet chicken
Snowball and Mr. Snowie in pop up carrier.
Chickens should have a cage to sleep in at night and a pen to play outside in that has shelter from the elements, in case of inclement weather or if you should go someplace and forget to bring your chicken in the house. If you keep your chicken mostly indoors then you should provide a small coop or cage to keep them in at night, when company comes, or if you have to go somewhere. It is not a good idea to keep your pet chickens cage in your kitchen or near food.
The indoor cage or coop
You will need an indoor cage or coop to keep your chicken in when you are not available to supervise them. If you use a cage it should have a flat deep bottom, a perch (smaller perch for smaller chickens such as bantams) and a larger perch for a full size chicken. There should also be enough room for the chicken to walk around, sit and stand comfortably. If you have a hen you should attach a nest box to the cage for larger breeds and you can use a small basket or box for bantams. Food and water should be placed in cups that attach to the side of the cage because chickens like to scratch. Cages should be cleaned every day or every other day.
Large portable pet carriers-A small pet chicken or two can sleep in a portable pet carrier at night or stay in while you are at work. The one in the photo is a pop up portable pet carrier I use to transport my pet chickens for travel, however if you have cats pop up pet carriers are not a good option as cats will jump on top and collapse the carrier onto your birds which could injure or kill your birds so there's that to watch out for when selecting a safe place for your pet chicken.
The indoor cage or coop
You will need an indoor cage or coop to keep your chicken in when you are not available to supervise them. If you use a cage it should have a flat deep bottom, a perch (smaller perch for smaller chickens such as bantams) and a larger perch for a full size chicken. There should also be enough room for the chicken to walk around, sit and stand comfortably. If you have a hen you should attach a nest box to the cage for larger breeds and you can use a small basket or box for bantams. Food and water should be placed in cups that attach to the side of the cage because chickens like to scratch. Cages should be cleaned every day or every other day.
Large portable pet carriers-A small pet chicken or two can sleep in a portable pet carrier at night or stay in while you are at work. The one in the photo is a pop up portable pet carrier I use to transport my pet chickens for travel, however if you have cats pop up pet carriers are not a good option as cats will jump on top and collapse the carrier onto your birds which could injure or kill your birds so there's that to watch out for when selecting a safe place for your pet chicken.
Outdoor Time
Your pet chicken needs time outdoors. They need sunshine and they need to take dirt baths. Most people with house pet chickens put them in an out door pen during the day with shelter from the elements available to them in the coop, bringing them in the house for short periods of visiting and play. However, some keep their pet chickens in the house most or all of the time. Keeping them in a cage inside the house is fine at night and there is less chance of them getting killed by a predator in an unsupervised outdoor pen or hen house. Make sure they have food and water in spill proof dishes. If you cannot leave your chicken outdoors due to city ordinances or for other reasons then you need to make sure they have light from a window and a place to take a dirt bath in (a plastic bucket or small swimming pool works well).
Your pet chicken needs time outdoors. They need sunshine and they need to take dirt baths. Most people with house pet chickens put them in an out door pen during the day with shelter from the elements available to them in the coop, bringing them in the house for short periods of visiting and play. However, some keep their pet chickens in the house most or all of the time. Keeping them in a cage inside the house is fine at night and there is less chance of them getting killed by a predator in an unsupervised outdoor pen or hen house. Make sure they have food and water in spill proof dishes. If you cannot leave your chicken outdoors due to city ordinances or for other reasons then you need to make sure they have light from a window and a place to take a dirt bath in (a plastic bucket or small swimming pool works well).
Lady Jasmine at CHOE
Housebreaking your chicken
Having owned a chicken sanctuary I have had to bring chickens inside my home many times at one time or another. Sometimes for health issues or injuries which occurred while they were outdoors free ranging. At first I allowed them to roam freely and then sequestered them to their own bedroom for several reasons, dangers of being stepped on by other people walking through my house, risk of the chicken getting into something dangerous or harmful, shedding danger and feathers, and last but not least, chicken poop became a issue. If allowed to roam freely you will find droppings unless you have a very smart chicken that is cooperative to paper training which is pretty unlikely. Some chickens can be easily trained to potty on paper or to go to the door when they potty just by the tone of your voice. When your chicken has an accident, you must speak loud (not yelling)and tell the chicken, "Bad chicken" NO! NO! The chicken will know right away that they have done something wrong. The next step is too scoop the "poop" and put it on the paper or outdoors. After a few tries your chicken should get the hint, however 9 times out of 10 pet chickens are not cooperative and do not understand potty training so either you can set up a small indoor coop, pet play pen or make or invest in chicken diapers. If you are lucky enough to get a pet chicken who does potty on a puppy pad or in a potty or on the paper or go to the door to go outside make sure that you praise them. If you are not paying attention your chicken will have "accidents" by the door. Some chickens will poo as soon as you pick them up if they are frightened or picked up to quickly. Standard size breeds tend to potty where ever they are standing whenever they need to go and this can get real nasty real quick. Smaller breeds sometimes will do the same but their feces are smaller and much easier to clean up after. Chickens love to play outside during the day but want to go to their cage right about sunset.
Chicken Diapers
If you have decided to keep your chicken indoors at night or part of the time you should consider using chicken diapers See Chicken Diapers or keep them in a confined area at night.
If you have other pets in the house it is a good idea to keep your pet chicken in a large pet carrier where they will be safe, preferably by an east facing window so they can watch the sun come up in the morning. All chickens enjoy this activity.
Having owned a chicken sanctuary I have had to bring chickens inside my home many times at one time or another. Sometimes for health issues or injuries which occurred while they were outdoors free ranging. At first I allowed them to roam freely and then sequestered them to their own bedroom for several reasons, dangers of being stepped on by other people walking through my house, risk of the chicken getting into something dangerous or harmful, shedding danger and feathers, and last but not least, chicken poop became a issue. If allowed to roam freely you will find droppings unless you have a very smart chicken that is cooperative to paper training which is pretty unlikely. Some chickens can be easily trained to potty on paper or to go to the door when they potty just by the tone of your voice. When your chicken has an accident, you must speak loud (not yelling)and tell the chicken, "Bad chicken" NO! NO! The chicken will know right away that they have done something wrong. The next step is too scoop the "poop" and put it on the paper or outdoors. After a few tries your chicken should get the hint, however 9 times out of 10 pet chickens are not cooperative and do not understand potty training so either you can set up a small indoor coop, pet play pen or make or invest in chicken diapers. If you are lucky enough to get a pet chicken who does potty on a puppy pad or in a potty or on the paper or go to the door to go outside make sure that you praise them. If you are not paying attention your chicken will have "accidents" by the door. Some chickens will poo as soon as you pick them up if they are frightened or picked up to quickly. Standard size breeds tend to potty where ever they are standing whenever they need to go and this can get real nasty real quick. Smaller breeds sometimes will do the same but their feces are smaller and much easier to clean up after. Chickens love to play outside during the day but want to go to their cage right about sunset.
Chicken Diapers
If you have decided to keep your chicken indoors at night or part of the time you should consider using chicken diapers See Chicken Diapers or keep them in a confined area at night.
If you have other pets in the house it is a good idea to keep your pet chicken in a large pet carrier where they will be safe, preferably by an east facing window so they can watch the sun come up in the morning. All chickens enjoy this activity.
Discipline
Pet chickens never need to be disciplined. They do not understand it and if you do it you will only make them afraid of you and worse, you could easily harm or kill them without meaning to.Do not ever strike, hit or kick your chicken. You could easy break their bones, skin, tendons or worse kill them. Never toss or throw your chicken as they could easily land on their breast bone which will break and they will die a very painful death.
Pet chickens never need to be disciplined. They do not understand it and if you do it you will only make them afraid of you and worse, you could easily harm or kill them without meaning to.Do not ever strike, hit or kick your chicken. You could easy break their bones, skin, tendons or worse kill them. Never toss or throw your chicken as they could easily land on their breast bone which will break and they will die a very painful death.
When company comes to visit
If you let your chicken roam around your house you will need to put he or she up when company arrives. Many people are afraid of chickens. Your chicken may jump on someones lap for attention and they may react with a slap or kick at the chicken, possibly injuring or killing it without realizing it.. People who walk through a room without paying attention where they walk could step on the chicken. Chickens who have owners who watch out for them rarely move out of the way for other people. Putting your chicken in their cage or pen when company comes is better and safer for your chicken and your guests. Pet roosters can become aggressive if they do not like your guest for some reason and may peck or threaten them.
If you let your chicken roam around your house you will need to put he or she up when company arrives. Many people are afraid of chickens. Your chicken may jump on someones lap for attention and they may react with a slap or kick at the chicken, possibly injuring or killing it without realizing it.. People who walk through a room without paying attention where they walk could step on the chicken. Chickens who have owners who watch out for them rarely move out of the way for other people. Putting your chicken in their cage or pen when company comes is better and safer for your chicken and your guests. Pet roosters can become aggressive if they do not like your guest for some reason and may peck or threaten them.
Chickens and other pets
If you have other pets besides your pet chickens, it is advisable to NEVER leave your pet chicken outside of their cage or house coop, alone with other pets. A pet dog or cat who seems to get along well with your pet chicken while you are in the room with them may not be so friendly when left alone with them or they may play rough with your pet chicken and kill them, often without meaning to.
If you have other pets besides your pet chickens, it is advisable to NEVER leave your pet chicken outside of their cage or house coop, alone with other pets. A pet dog or cat who seems to get along well with your pet chicken while you are in the room with them may not be so friendly when left alone with them or they may play rough with your pet chicken and kill them, often without meaning to.
Health Concerns
It is better for your chicken and your health to keep your chicken in their own chicken coop outside of your home. Chickens, like most birds have dander that can cause allergies and other breathing problems. There is also the risk of salmonella if your chickens feces come in contact with your food or if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system and children under the age of 5, according to some studies. I have a weakened immune system and have had chickens in my house for years off and on and never contracted it but that does not mean someone else won't.
See Hidden dangers for house pet chickens below.
Note: I may receive a small commission from ads on this website which helps me to afford website costs and to earn a living.
It is better for your chicken and your health to keep your chicken in their own chicken coop outside of your home. Chickens, like most birds have dander that can cause allergies and other breathing problems. There is also the risk of salmonella if your chickens feces come in contact with your food or if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system and children under the age of 5, according to some studies. I have a weakened immune system and have had chickens in my house for years off and on and never contracted it but that does not mean someone else won't.
See Hidden dangers for house pet chickens below.
Note: I may receive a small commission from ads on this website which helps me to afford website costs and to earn a living.
Chicken Coop for 4 Chickens, Mobile Chicken House with with Wheels, Outdoor Hen House Poultry Cage with Nesting Box, Leakproof Pull Out Tray and UV-Resistant Roof (67.3" L x 29" W x 39.4" H), Note: I may receive a small commission for eligible purchases.
More Information About House Pet Chickens (Click links below to view) |
