Pet Chickens?

   Even if you live in a city, you may still be able keep chickens. They make great pets as well as egg layers. Chickens do not cost all that much to maintain, and they are relatively easy to care for. They need only food, water, and a clean coop.
  In some cities chickens are not allowed. In other places you might need to get a permit or pay a fee. Some cities have a limit of chickens you can keep. Do not keep roosters in a city! They are very noisy
and are often illegal. You should not let your chickens "free range" in a non fenced area.                                    
   For a chicken coop that's for small flock you can use a large rabbit hutch or dog house, if you add perches. This is a lot cheaper that buying a chicken coop. You can also build your own.  Chickens will also need to have a safe, covered run, even if your yard is fenced. This will protect your chickens from dogs, cats, and wild animals.
   You will probably want to start with chicks. They will bond to you if you handle them often and they are often much cheaper than adult hens. They are also very cute! Get at least three chicks.

Make sure to get female chicks! Chicks will need to have a brooder. You can use an aquarium or rodent cage. This should be kept indoors, preferably under a light. Handle the chicks often.
  When the chicks become pullets (hens that are not full grown but have some adult feathers and can lay eggs) you can move them out to the coop. Slowly get the pullets used to their new home.
   The care of adult hens consists of gathering eggs, cleaning the coop, refiling the feeders and waterers, and playing with the hens.
   Tame hens like to be held and petted. They can learn to come when you call them.
   Eventully the hens will stop laying. Then you can add young chickens to the flock so you can have layers and still keep pet hens.

Chicks

Pullets

 

 

Hens