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Are chickens the new dog?  More Americans raising them

Chickens are the new family dog, according to a chicken expert and blogger who recently spoke with the LA Times.

First the statistics: More than one percent of all U.S. households now raise chickens, the Times reports.  The US Department of Agriculture estimates that by 2019 urban chicken flocks will increase by 400 percent.

Kathy Shea Mormino, known as the Chicken Chick, says chickens are suffering because people don't know how to care for them properly.  Her new book is titled, "The Chicken Chick's Guide to Backyard Chickens: Simple Steps for Healthy, Happy Hens."  The introduction states that chickens are best served "by keeping their care simple."

In her interview with the Times, Mormino says the most common question she hears about backyard chicken-keeping is health problems because people don't understand how critical nutrition is to the longevity of their birds.  She says all people need is a commercial feed, water, and a clean, dry living space.

Mormino says chickens are “great companions,” helping with soil, eating their fair share of insects, and they lay eggs.

How do people get started?  Mormoni recommends Tractor Supply for their products and "strict procedures."

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