A century ago most people grew up in small towns or on farms where they frolicked in creeks, climbed trees, watched wild animals and helped with chores. Back then kids cared for livestock, weeded gardens, and picked and preserved vegetables. They knew where food came from.
That’s changed. Nearly all kids today live in tidy manicured suburbs or cities. To them food comes nicely packaged and ready to cook from the supermarket. A youngster may not even connect supermarket eggs with chickens or a milk with a cow (it's a real life and I'm not kidding). A small backyard chicken flock is a delightful way for children to learn where food really comes from.
Children and chickens may not seem as a natural combination as a child and a puppy, but you may be surprised at the bonding experience your family can have with a flock of chickens.
Keeping a small flock of chickens in the backyard is much more than a passing fad or trend and is slowly working itself into the fabric of life for families all over the country and from all walks of life. More people are happily learning that chicken keeping is an activity that the whole family can get involved in. Like planting a garden – and getting even the smallest of children excited about growing their own food to eat – teaching kids about responsibility and empathy for animals, even (or especially) those that provide our breakfast, is a powerful and important lesson.
Welcoming chickens to your backyard will not only supply your family with delicious, fresh eggs, but also teach many valuable life lessons your child will carry with her for life.
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