Owning chickens might seem like a great idea, think again.
Raising chickens as pets has become a popular trend, with many people drawn to the idea of fresh eggs, self-sufficiency, and the charm of having feathered companions in their backyard. But before you jump on the backyard chicken bandwagon, there are some serious downsides you need to consider. Chickens aren’t low-maintenance pets—they require constant care, protection, and cleaning. They can also attract unwanted pests, damage your garden, and come with unexpected veterinary expenses.
While they might look adorable pecking around your yard, the reality of keeping pet chickens is far from easy. If you’re not fully prepared for the commitment, what starts as an exciting new hobby can quickly turn into a frustrating, messy, and expensive mistake. Here are 10 reasons why having a pet chicken might not be as great as you think.
1. Constant mess and poop will take over your yard.
Chickens don’t care where they go to the bathroom, and they do it all the time. Unlike dogs or cats, they won’t use a designated spot—they’ll poop wherever they happen to be standing. If you have a backyard, be prepared for droppings on your patio, walkways, and even outdoor furniture. Chickens also love to scratch and dig, which means dust, feathers, and debris will end up everywhere.
According to Alaska Urban Hippie, backyard chicken owners often underestimate just how much cleaning is required. Daily maintenance is necessary to keep coops and nesting areas sanitary, and even then, odors and flies can quickly become a problem. If you’re someone who values a clean and tidy outdoor space, chickens might drive you crazy.
2. The daily care routine is far more work than you think.
Raising chickens isn’t just about tossing them some food and collecting eggs. They need fresh water, proper nutrition, and secure shelter every single day. Cleaning their nesting boxes and coop is a daily task, and you’ll spend a surprising amount of time managing their overall health and well-being.
As stated by Ten West Veterinary Hospital, chicken owners should expect to dedicate at least an hour a day to their birds. That doesn’t include the time spent reinforcing coops, treating illnesses, or preparing their feed. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, chickens are definitely not the answer.
3. Chickens pose serious health risks to humans.
Handling chickens comes with health risks that many people overlook. Chickens can carry salmonella, E. coli, and even avian flu, all of which can be transmitted to humans. Simply touching your chickens and then forgetting to wash your hands can put you at risk of illness. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these diseases.
According to Once a Month Meals, backyard chicken owners must practice strict hygiene, including frequent handwashing and regular coop sanitation. If you have young kids or enjoy handling your pets without worrying about germs, chickens might not be the best choice.
4. They are highly vulnerable to predators, requiring constant protection.
Chickens are easy prey for a wide variety of predators, including raccoons, foxes, hawks, and even neighborhood dogs. Without proper security, your flock can quickly become a target, leading to devastating losses. It’s not just about locking them up at night—daytime predators are just as much of a threat.
As noted by Verm-X, chicken owners must invest in predator-proof fencing, reinforced coops, and covered enclosures to keep their birds safe. Even then, some predators are incredibly persistent, digging under fences or breaking into coops. If you’re not prepared to constantly monitor and upgrade your setup, you might wake up one morning to find your chickens gone.
5. Medical issues can be expensive and difficult to manage.
Chickens may seem like hardy animals, but they are prone to a variety of health problems. Egg-binding, respiratory infections, mites, lice, and digestive issues are all common in backyard flocks. Unlike cats or dogs, finding a veterinarian who specializes in poultry can be difficult, and treatment options may be limited.
Even when care is available, it can be costly. Many chicken owners are forced to learn basic veterinary skills themselves, such as treating wounds, checking for parasites, and even assisting with egg-laying complications. If you’re not comfortable dealing with medical issues on your own, keeping chickens can quickly become a stressful and expensive responsibility.
6. They will destroy your lawn and garden.
Chickens don’t just peck at the ground—they scratch, dig, and uproot anything in their way. They love dust baths, which means they will create holes in your yard, toss dirt everywhere, and completely destroy delicate plants. If you have a well-maintained lawn or a beautiful flower bed, chickens will turn it into their personal playground.
Many backyard chicken owners are shocked at how quickly their once-pristine yard turns into a mess. Fencing off garden areas can help, but chickens are persistent. If they can find a way in, they will, leaving destruction in their wake. Keeping them confined to a run is an option, but it reduces their ability to forage and limits their space, which can lead to boredom and stress.
7. Egg production is not as reliable as you might think.
One of the biggest reasons people get chickens is for fresh eggs, but what many don’t realize is that egg production isn’t guaranteed year-round. Hens lay fewer eggs in winter, during molting, and as they age. This means that even if you start with a productive flock, you may eventually find yourself with chickens that are no longer laying but still require just as much care and feeding.
Some owners try to extend egg production by using artificial lighting in winter, but this can stress the hens and shorten their lifespan. Others decide to cull older hens, but that can be an emotional and difficult decision. If you’re expecting a constant supply of eggs, be prepared for seasonal fluctuations and eventual production slowdowns.
8. Chicken feed attracts rodents and other pests.
Where there’s chicken feed, there are rodents. Keeping a backyard flock often means dealing with rats, mice, and even raccoons that are drawn to spilled feed. These pests can quickly become a problem, chewing through storage containers, contaminating food, and even burrowing under coops.
Proper feed storage and regular coop maintenance can help, but completely eliminating rodents can be difficult. Some chicken owners resort to traps or other deterrents, but this adds yet another responsibility to an already demanding pet-keeping routine. If you’re not willing to deal with the occasional rodent problem, chickens might not be the best choice.
9. They require more space than most people realize.
Chickens need space to roam, scratch, and forage, and keeping them in a small backyard can quickly lead to problems. A cramped coop or run can result in stress, aggression, and even feather pecking among birds. Many urban chicken owners underestimate just how much room is necessary for a happy and healthy flock.
If you live in a neighborhood with limited yard space, zoning laws may also restrict the number of chickens you can have. Some areas require setbacks from property lines or limit flock sizes. Before bringing chickens home, it’s essential to check local regulations and ensure you have enough room to give them a proper environment.
10. Owning chickens is a long-term commitment.
Chickens aren’t short-term pets. While their egg-laying years may be limited, their lifespan can stretch beyond a decade. That means once they stop producing eggs, you’ll either need to continue caring for them or make the difficult decision of rehoming or culling them.
Additionally, chickens require daily care, meaning you’ll need to arrange for someone to feed, water, and secure them if you ever go on vacation. Unlike a dog or cat, you can’t just drop them off at a boarding facility. Many owners underestimate the long-term commitment, leading to abandoned flocks or overwhelmed caregivers.
Keeping chickens might seem like a fun and rewarding idea, but it comes with significant challenges. Between constant cleaning, predator risks, medical issues, and the long-term commitment, it’s not a decision to take lightly. For those who are fully prepared, chickens can be a great addition to a home, but for many, the reality of chicken ownership is far more demanding than expected.