I often say the same thing about my veggie and fruit gardens. The energy return on investment is incredibly negative and may never turn positive for me. But it brings me satisfaction, fresh food that I know is chemical free, and keeps me active and engaged in nature.
Very good point. No doubt our garden does not pay for itself as far as money goes, but as you said - satisfaction, fun, and so much more. Appreciate you sharing.
Our chickens not only feed us in terms of the obvious eggs but they have several layers of usefulness.
1. When they age out, we make them into soups and bone broth.
2. We raise extra to feed the livestock guardian dogs. Since we hatch our own, we butcher the extra roosters for them.
3. They keep the tick population down, at least on the property where they free range.
4. The roosters serve as an augment for the dog alarm system.
5. Sitting outside and watching them go about their business on a sunny afternoon is ome of the most calming things imaginable.
Chickens are the best. :)
Agree 100%. Thanks so much for sharing.
I often say the same thing about my veggie and fruit gardens. The energy return on investment is incredibly negative and may never turn positive for me. But it brings me satisfaction, fresh food that I know is chemical free, and keeps me active and engaged in nature.
Very good point. No doubt our garden does not pay for itself as far as money goes, but as you said - satisfaction, fun, and so much more. Appreciate you sharing.
I'm down to two hens and they are three years old and not producing a lot anymore, it still cost me.$20.00 A month for feed, yup expensive.
Get them some friends John!
Hopefully the feed and grain or tractor supply will have them in the fall
Hope so.
They give you eggs.
They provide an appreciation of phrases like “hen pecked”, “you’re chicken”, “stop squawking”, etc.
They give you the fun of watching children chase them.
They provide opportunities for children to learn about caring for animals.
They provide wonderful fertilizer.
Their value is so much higher than food security.
Very true! Thank you!
Does the chicken meat taste better? When I lived on a farm, once the egg laying days were over, the chicken provided one last meal.....
Lol....no idea. We only have them for eggs.