I can think of nothing more rewarding than raising a pet hen. I need to admit, I did not always think this way. Not everyone would think that hens make good pets; I myself was very skeptical, but I wanted to raise them for fresh eggs. After all I figured they were just birds.

With a little research on the Internet I came to the conclusion I could raise the hens for fresh eggs. Once they stopped laying I would let my husband fill our freezer with fresh chicken. Of course there was this small little voice in the back of my head saying, "You have got to be crazy."

I begged and pleaded with my husband to let me raise some hens. I explained that when they were done laying eggs, the natural thing to do would be to use them for meat. He shook his head and would say, "Are you sure you would eat them after caring for them?" You see, he was raised on a farm, and this would be no problem for him. He could butcher a chicken with out blinking an eye. Of course, he knew my kind nature would be a definite deterrent to having a home-raised hen for dinner.

Well, I pleaded and pleaded for a whole year. My husband finally gave in and not only let me order some chicks, but he also said we would have to order no less than thirty chicks. He said, "If we are going to do this, we are going to do it right". I thought about this later and decided he wanted thirty because he thought with so many, I might not get attached to them.

I promised myself not to name any of the hens. I knew this would make them harder to part with. But when you have a sweet hen greet you in the morning and follow you all around the yard asking to be picked up and petted, you can't help but find the perfect name for it. I have named this one Cling, since she clings to my leg like plastic wrap. Her sister is named Clang, because she is the loudest in the flock.

After caring for my chicks until they grew into hens, I have come to the conclusion that my hens are the greatest pets I have ever had. They entertain us with a new show every evening. They are happy to provide eggs to our whole family, and any leftover eggs are given to friends and neighbors. These beautiful pets also keep my garden free of pests. Without a doubt, I won't be having our hens as meat on my dinner table.

As time has gone by, my wise husband has only four words to say whenever he finds me at the chicken coup watching our pet hens' evening show: "I told you so!"

Learn more about this author, Bonnie Alatta.
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