The highs and lows of backyard chickens

Ever since I was a kid I wanted chickens, so as soon as we had a yard big enough I bought a small coop and purchased a flock of three hens. The internet led me to believe they were pretty low fuss - and I guess they are once you know what you're doing - but there are definitely downsides to all those fresh eggs. 

If you’re considering adding a few feathered friends to your garden, here’s the honest breakdown: the good, the bad and the messy. 

The Pros

1. The eggs, obviously 

You can’t beat the taste—or the freshness—of home-laid eggs.
And when you know what your hens are eating, you know what’s in your eggs. At the moment we have 5 hens, one is a bit past her used by date, but the other 4 lay an egg a day. That's more than we need, so we give a lot away to friends and family. 

2. Natural garden helpers

Chickens eat pests like slugs, snails and slaters. They also love food scraps and help compost them naturally. They make light work of all our kitchen waste, meaning we don't send any food to our kerbside council collection. Their manure is packed with nitrogen—great for the garden once composted.

3. Chickens are fun to have around

They’re curious, social and full of personality. Watching them peck, dust-bathe and forage is soothing—a bit like therapy in feathers. But I'm not sure the dog agrees. 

4. Great for kids

Chickens can teach kids about responsibility, food systems, and empathy. And yes—naming them is half the fun. We've had Shark Attack, Pearl, Metallica, Spaghetti, Warandyte...

Chickens can be quite tame if you spend time with them and are happy to be hand fed and even held. 

The Cons

1. They’re not odour-free

Coops also need regular cleaning to avoid smell. By regular, I mean pretty much every day. That can include scraping out waste from the nesting boxes, or cleaning off the perches. About once a month, the whole base of the coop needs to be cleared. This material is great for the garden as a mulch, but it's messy work. 

2. Manure management

Yes, chicken poop is gold for gardens—but only after composting. Fresh droppings are too strong and can burn plants. The volume of waste is more than I expected and if they free range, expect it all over your lawn. 

3. Coop costs and setup

You’ll need a safe, weatherproof coop and a secure run. Foxes, dogs and snakes are common predators—even in suburbia. A decent coop can be upwards of $1,500 dollars and there are ongoing costs like bedding, food and medication. Overall, it's going to be cheaper to get your eggs at the supermarket, so it's something to keep in mind. 

4. They are garden wreckers

Chickens love digging. If they free-range in your veggie beds, expect damage. They’ll scratch up mulch, nibble seedlings and dust-bathe in the middle of your flower patch. They will rip out plants completely. If you don't fence or protect your garden, expect this to happen every day. We've have spent many, many hours deriving solutions to allow them time out of the run, but out of our gardens. 

5. They require a commitment

Chickens need daily feeding, clean water and protection from predators—365 days a year. Going away? Someone has to chicken-sit. They aren't a set and forget type of pet. 

Is it worth it?

Backyard chickens can be a joy and a beautiful part of sustainable living—but they do take time, care and a bit of patience. 

They’re perfect if you:

Want fresh eggs and garden compost
Are home most days
Don’t mind a little extra mess and maintenance

They may not be ideal if:

You’re short on time or travel frequently
Your garden is small or highly manicured
You’re not ready for daily animal care

Chickens can bring life, laughter, and real benefits to a garden—but they’re not just egg machines. They’re living, feathered creatures with needs.

If you're still not sure, try pet-sitting someone else’s chooks first. You’ll get a real taste of what chicken life is like—and whether it's right for you.