"The fact that chickens have lived with humans for centuries is a testament to how useful they are," says poultry enthusiast and owner Cat Thomson, and she isn't alone in this regard. For some of the 57% of UK petowning households, the role of a feathered companion is one just as highly respected and loved as that of the dog. But why?
Though overlooked by many, these feathered friends provide a lot more than a simple meal for dinner or a boundless supply of fresh, tasty eggs. Chickens never fail to deliver endless joy, giggles, and great companionship from the safety of your backyard. So here are the top five reasons why chickens really do make the best pets, and why you should invest in one... or thirty this year.
GREAT FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Animals are great for aiding mental health, and chickens are no exception. Rachael Bradley, a retired clinical psychologist from Edern in Wales, has a lot to say about the subject. “I think chickens are great for mental health because they help people with stress and anxiety.” These feathered beings have the ability to provide a sanctuary from the worries of everyday life from the comfort of your home.
Rachael, who has worked with adults with learning disabilities for over 20 years, says how chickens improve mental and cognitive health for less verbal individuals. “Chickens are great for improving verbal communication, because it is a very low-demand situation.” She says, adding that the stress of verbal communication can be daunting, so having the companionship of a feathered pet can prove calming for communication, but also anxiety and depression as well.
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av The Country Smallholder.
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Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av The Country Smallholder.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
