In Britain there is an estimated 750,000 homes that own the feathery friend known as the chicken. I myself am one of them lucky people. My mother first got my sister and I two welsummer hens around about five easters ago and having only ever seen a normal brown chicken before (the rhode island red) I was amazed at this big, colourful creature, I never knew the variety of breeds you could actually get. Little did I know then, I would convert to chicken fever, develop obsessive chicken disorder and fall head over heals in love with these slightly flightless birds.

My first reason for why you should invest in a chicken is...

1. Although they may not be the cuddliest pets to keep, they are one of the most funny to be around. Each and every chicken have their own little characteristic, some are like the mafia which no other chicken would dare to rival whereas others enjoy to sunbath and laze about. And then there's my favourite, the lovers. These cuties will literally fall in love with you and chase after you whenever possible. There are so many personalities. Usually silkies are the best breed to buy if you are wanting a friendly pet. But I find light sussex bantams very confident and cuddly and they lay great eggs!

Which leads me to my next point...

2.Free delicious fresh eggs each morning! It's a brilliant feeling waking up, checking on your chickens and discovering a perfect egg sitting inside a box full of hay. And that's what you could have. You'll even be happy knowing exactly where that egg has come from and the conditions it was found in, giving you peace of mind that the egg you are eating hasn't been left to lay around for days!

3. Chickens are much easier to look after than you think! As long as you keep removing bits of 'dirt' from their houses, clean them out every two weeks, feed them and give them water there's not much else you need to do! Its optional if you want to spend time with them, I would advice it because you'd be missing out on alot if you didn't! Chickens don't need to be taken out on walks all the time or be played with to teach them how to be sociable. They'd appreciate being fussed with a little bit but they would also be very content in being left alone to forage around for bugs. So the care they need is much less demanding than that of a cat or dog.

4.They are cheap! Although chicken houses can be expensive buying new, it is much cheaper if, like me, you go to a local tip shop or car boot and buy a used chicken house or even rabbit hut. Or you could be more adventurous and start a new hobby by building your own chicken house! Their food is very cheap aswell, it comes in a huge bag and lasts around a month! Also chickens themselves, depending on the breed only cost between £10-£40 each!
5. There are so many lovely breeds to choose from! Just search chicken breeds and you will be intrigued by all the variety.
Some of my favourites are:
Golden campine, easter eggers (this breed lays blue, green and pink eggs!) serema, laced orpington, Plymouth rock and golden laced polish.

6. If you have children in your family it is a great way to teach them about other animals and the responsibilities that come with them!
7. If you have a chicken it gives you an excuse to join forums such as back yard chickens. This is a brilliant site and allows you to make new friends and talk about chickens! It also gives you advise on different breeds, cures for illnesses, and any information you need!
8. Keeping chickens is just a wonderful hobby and allows you spend your spare time looking after a pet, having fun! It also keeps you healthy and allows you to spend more time outside in the fresh air.
9. Space is not an issue! As long as your chickens have enough space to run about and an area to sleep they will be fine! So don't worry if you think you don't have enough space, you're likely to have just the right amount.
10. You could even start your own business! If you have a good amount of hens you can start selling your eggs! Or you could buy a cockerel and breed them to create cute fluffy chicks! That's exactly what I did, it not only gave me some extra money but it was one of the most wonderful things to witness. Picking up an egg with a hole in it and feeling a chick rocking inside and hearing it's small voice chirp is amazing. And watching as it cracks open the egg to enter the world is inspirational. But one of the best parts of having chicks is seeing their mum teaching them how to eat drink and explore. It's truly magical!

So I hope you get out there and buy some chickens! You won't regret it! Thanks so much for reading! Elisha, x