Here are some of the benefits of backyard hens in a photo essay:

BUG ABATEMENT:

Chicken with a HUGE caterpillar in her mouth

EATS YOUR LEFTOVERS:

Watermelon Rind Finished off by the girls

FRIENDLY PETS:

Kitty, the Hens and Schnoodle (background) playing well together

And, MORNING FRESHLY LAYED EGGS: