Myth: Hens carry disease
There’s more disease in the wild birds in your yard. In fact, if a backyard hen does get sick, the most common cause is wild birds that stop by their enclosure. A common myth is that hens carry samonella. The truth is only infected animals carry it. Many animals can carry samonella and other diseases, including dogs, cats and chickens according to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonella.html Proper hand washing should always be used after petting or handling any animal.
Myth: The CDC says salmonella is on the rise because of backyard chickens, isn't that a risk to public health?
The CDC has a warning that outbreaks of salmonella are on the rise. The increase is seen in people who have recently been in direct contact with chickens and is attributed to birds that have come from multiple hatcheries. Unfortunately the large chicken farms that are often the source of the salmonella contaminated eggs that we purchase in the grocery store, also sell contaminated birds.
Fortunately, a contaminated bird can be treated, and the infection risk is only to those who come in direct contact with the bird itself or its enclosure. The risk is mitigated with proper sanitation, and of course you should not eat the eggs from a sick animal. Proper hand washing should always be used anytime you handle your pets.
Myth: Hens are loud
Roosters are loud, hens are not - they may make a cackle that’s not loud when laying, about once per day.
Myth: To get eggs you need a rooster
Hens lay eggs with or without a rooter - you only need a rooster if you want fertilized eggs.
Myth: Hens are smelly
Any animal that is poorly cared for will eventually begin to smell. The same is true for dogs and cats. Hens that are well cared for will not have a nuisance smell.
Myth: Hens will attract predators
We already have predators in our neighborhood. They were here long before our homes were, and they’re going to be here whether we have hens or not. The thing that is more scarce than food for predators in our area, is water. Predators are also attracted to the area by swimming pools and water fountains. Regardless, predators need to eat. If they think they can get a free meal from your pets they'll stick around, it's as true for hens as it is for cats and small dogs. If your pets are well secured the predators will be forced to go elsewhere to find food.
Myth: Hens only eat bugs and grass
A little known fact is that hens actually hunt and eat mice and other vermin! Check out this video. Regardless, the type of coop that is suitable to prevent predation is the same type that will prevent vermin. The wire mesh needs to be small enough that nothing can get into the coop.
Myth: Hens aren't pets
Hens make great pets. Like most birds, they are very clever and inquisitive, and they each have their own personality. They often greet their owners with a series of clucks and free range birds will run up to greet you.
The truth is that chickens are often recognized as pets. In fact, both the State of Arizona and the CDC have referred to chickens as "pets" and have included information on their websites to help chicken owners care for their pets:
- State of Arizona recognizes chickens as pets on their "backyard birds" page
https://agriculture.az.gov/animals/state-veterinarians-office/backyard-birds (note the first line, they state "Raising poultry at home can be more than a hobby. Birds, like other pets...”) - CDC recognizes chickens as pets
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html (note the tab Healthy Poultry, and the section “Monitor your pet’s health”) - Pima County and the City of Tucson already permit hens for the vast majority of homeowners. Tucson even recently adjusted their setback requirements to allow people to more easily put up coops.
- Rancho Del Lago's HOA permits residents to keep hens.