Impulse Chickens and Trendy Goats: The Pitfalls of Modern Homesteading

The rise in “modern homesteading,” particularly the surge in the keeping of chickens in urban and suburban backyards, has presented anticipated threats to the well-being of these complex and intelligent birds.

As the popularity of “homesteading” increased in the spring of 2020, so did the number of birds surrendered to farm sanctuaries. Due to a lack of proper education on animal care, many uninformed enthusiasts found themselves unprepared for the demands of caring for these diverse breeds of hens and roosters. This lack of forethought and planning resulted, not surprisingly, in the suffering of the birds and, when fortunate, their relinquishment into the hands of experts.

These collective incidents underscore the importance of informed decision-making in all endeavors involving animals, as the realities of animal care can be complex and demanding.