Should you consider the Asil chicken as a candidate for a new pet? Unless you have lived on a farm all your life, you may think it is odd to want to have chickens as pets. However; for those that have the room to keep them and are looking for something a little off the mark, a chicken may not be a bad idea.
The Asil chicken breed has been drawn and written about so far back as 1500 BC. It has originated from the countries of India and Pakistan. Although some chefs have ways to make some tasty food combinations of these chickens, they really are not meant to be eaten. Although they are larger then traditional birds, they are also leaner and very well-muscled. They were mainly bred because of their tendencies to fight with little provocation. Today, we now know that this is a cruel use for these affectionate little guys.
Two male chickens, or cocks, should not be penned together. A group of hens can live together and sometimes a cock can be added to the mix. If you need to introduction a new bird to the group, you need to allow time for natural posturing to see whether group of birds are compatible with each other. The fighting can be vicious and will lead to serious injury or death.
Young chicks will fight each other; separation at a young age will be in order before they are big enough to hurt each other. Knowing the birds' personalities will go a long way to knowing who can live with who. Following basic guidelines is always helpful but will not apply to every animal. All animals require sufficient supervision, especially when they are experiencing a new interaction.
But why does the Asil chicken make a good pet? They have the reputation of being very affectionate to the keepers or owners. These chickens are not like the typical egg layers that most people are used to. An Asil chicken will seek affection from their owners, not just food. They are extremely intelligent. And if given a happy home with everything that need then they return that happiness to their owners.
If you are looking for a good egg layer, then you need to be looking at another breed of chicken. The Asil hen makes a poor egg layer. Ironically, they are excellent sitters. So, the eggs they do lay will usually be healthy. The entire breed is known for the fact that they rarely become ill. Disease is common in most poultry breeds and this breed remains healthy under good to fair conditions.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether you decide that a chicken is a pet for you and your family. They can be pet and cuddled like a cat or dog, but they are not going to be likely to be found lying next to a fireplace on a cold night. They may fit in as a cute, little barnyard animal.
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