BOUNTIFUL — When Elayne Harmer's daughter came home one day after work asking if she could bring home some chicks to raise, Harmer had no idea what saying yes would entail.Harmer's daughter, Ariel, got the chicks last spring when the local Cross E Ranch had several new baby animals. Harmer agreed to let Ariel raise the chicks, as she was enchanted with them. Harmer didn't think it would be very much work for herself.
Harmer said the chickens have charmed her and she dotes on them. And, because she doesn't have any grandkids, yet — the chickens have become her "little babies."Many people choose to raise chickens to have fresh eggs or meat, and to be more self-sufficient. Some see it as a way to save money on groceries, but Harmer said raising chickens has been quite an economic investment.
"All things considered, it would indeed be rare that home-produced eggs and poultry products would prove to be more economical than purchasing eggs and fryers from the supermarket, even at today's higher costs," Frame said. "As a veterinarian, I have seen birds that are not properly cared for," Frame said. "Most of this is simply due to lack of knowledge and is seldom caused by willful neglect, but it is important to be aware of all the requirements and responsibilities before you jump into raising backyard chickens."