How to Care for a Pet Chicken

a separate feeding dish from the pelleted diet. 
Finally make sure your chickens always have access to clean water. There are waterers similar to the feeders that go on the floor of your chickens enclosure. You also can use a water trough. Refresh the water daily.

Common Health Problems
Backyard chickens are typically hardy animals but they are prone to some common health issues including
Bacterial and viral infections
Parasites
Fungal infections
Injury from predators2
Exercise
Sufficient exercise is important to keep chickens in good body condition for egg laying and to generally prevent health issues such as obesity. As long as you provide your chickens with a large enough space to roam and dont overcrowd them they should get the exercise they need. There also are chicken toys such as treat dispensers that can get your pets up and moving.
Grooming
Chickens mostly groom themselves via preening and whats known as a dust bath. Dust baths help to absorb excess oils on a chickens feathers and skin and they can dislodge debris and even parasites. Furthermore some chickens might not naturally wear down their nails enough and occasionally require you or a vet to trim them. A vet can typically teach you how to do this at home if youre willing.
Upkeep Costs
Your primary ongoing costs for chickens will be their food and bedding. Expect to pay around 15 to 30 per chicken each month. Youll also occasionally have to replace worn items in the coop costing around 10 to 30 on average. Plus make sure to budget for routine veterinary checkups and emergency care.
Pros Cons of Keeping a Chicken as a Pet
Chickens can make for fairly lowmaintenance and quiet pets. Plus theyll typically provide you with an abundance of eggs and youll have the benefit of knowing the eggs are coming from a welltreated animal. However chickens do need

a specialized housing setup and some space to roam. And they must be protected from predators and the elements.
Similar Exotic Pets to the Chicken
If youre interested in pet chickens check out
Purchasing or Adopting Your Chicken
You can find chickens via reputable breeders and rescue groups. Sometimes even traditional animal shelters have chickens for adoption. Expect to pay around 10 to 30 on average though this can vary depending on factors such as the animals age and breed.
ReproductionBreeding
Local exotic animal veterinarians might be able to direct you to a good chicken breeder or rescue group. Check with area farm animal sanctuaries as well. The main benefit of going to a breeder is youll typically have a wider selection of various breeds and younger animals. Rescues often take in chickens from factory farms that otherwise would be slaughtered. 
Chickens cant always be properly sexed when theyre young. So to ensure youre getting a female bird you might want to opt for an older chicken. That way you wont have any unwanted breeding or other issues with having roosters.