{"id":99179,"date":"2025-03-13T10:09:11","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T17:09:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=99179"},"modified":"2026-04-30T09:28:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T16:28:27","slug":"benefits-of-having-chickens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/benefits-of-having-chickens\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Benefits of Having Chickens: Why a Backyard Chicken Coop is Perfect for Your Homestead"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever dreamed of stepping outside in the morning, collecting fresh eggs, and being greeted by a flock of happy, clucking chickens? The benefits of having chickens go way beyond just a steady supply of eggs. These feathery friends are natural pest controllers, soil-enriching composters, and even surprisingly entertaining companions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader in <\/span>Clarksville, TN<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Crawford, NE<\/span><\/a>, or just starting to explore the world of self-sufficiency, raising chickens is an adventure full of fresh eggs, funny moments, and unexpected joys. From their quirky personalities to their many practical benefits, a backyard flock might just be the missing piece to your homesteading dream.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The benefits of having chickens<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be surprised to learn that chickens are the third most popular pet in the U.S., with <\/span>11 million households<\/span><\/a> across the country enjoying the many benefits of keeping backyard chickens, according to the latest data from the American Pet Products Association.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickens bring a ton of joy to a homestead and are honestly way more rewarding than you might expect. They\u2019re not just entertaining with their goofy little antics and bigger-than-life personalities, but they also come with a bunch of practical perks that make life a whole lot easier\u2014and a lot more fun. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Tamia Jacques from <\/span>Sustainable 626<\/span><\/a>, a homestead in <\/span>San Marcos, TX<\/span><\/a>, says, \u201cChickens are a delightful addition to any homestead, bringing joy with their silly personalities and providing valuable lessons in responsibility for children.\u201d They\u2019re not just fun to watch, they also help with pest control in the garden and give you nutrient-rich manure for fertilizer. It\u2019s a win-win: you get some laughs and a healthier garden while teaching kids about responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Jen Mayer of <\/span>The Bluebonnet Homestead<\/span><\/a>, chickens have made her life feel more peaceful. \u201cCaring for a lovely flock of chickens has been the highlight of our experience,\u201d she says. \u201cMy favorite part is collecting healthy free-range eggs. It\u2019s like a little surprise every day, and we never grow tired of it.\u201d That daily egg collection? It never gets old. There\u2019s something special about having fresh eggs right outside your door, and chickens add a little bit of magic to everyday life.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Raising chickens is the gateway to homesteading<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chickens are often the perfect starting point for anyone dipping their toes into homesteading. They\u2019re low-maintenance, surprisingly fun, and the benefits of having chickens go way beyond the fresh eggs. Once you get a taste of the rewards, it\u2019s hard not to get hooked on the whole homesteading thing. Plus, they make the whole process feel doable, even if you\u2019ve never raised anything before.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homesteading allows you to live a more self-sufficient life<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChickens are the gateway to homesteading, turning any home into a source of fresh food, sustainability, and independence,\u201d says Nicole Sauce at <\/span>Living Free In Tennessee<\/span><\/a>, a podcast about building the independent life of your dreams. \u201cWith just a small flock, you gain healthier eggs, natural pest control, and a deeper connection to your food. From there, it\u2019s easy to expand into gardening, composting, and even raising more livestock.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you get a taste of that, it\u2019s hard not to want more. Chickens are a gateway to gardening and even raising other animals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spark a deeper connection to life and nature with homesteading<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomesteading is the life and adventure you might have never thought you needed,\u201d suggests Brandi Bartley at homestead blog <\/span>Southern Acres Homestead<\/span><\/a>. \u201cWe began with a few chickens and a garden, but it snowballed from there.\u201d What started as a couple of chickens and a few plants quickly turned into a full-fledged homesteading lifestyle, one that\u2019s given her family a deeper understanding of life, love, and slowing down. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From naming and caring for their chickens to watching their homestead grow in ways they never imagined, Brandi\u2019s family has learned so much from the process. \u201cOne of our favorite things to do is name, tend to, and play with all of our feathery beauties,\u201d she says, showing that homesteading is about more than just food. It\u2019s about nurturing a lifestyle and enjoying the simple, beautiful moments that come with it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ignite a passion for homegrown living <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chickens have a sneaky way of making you fall in love with homegrown life. \u201cWe often joke that chickens are the gateway to homesteading,\u201d shares Amanda Thiessen at <\/span>Sunset Highway Farm<\/span><\/a>, a family farm located in <\/span>Spokane, WA<\/span><\/a>. \u201cYou start with feeding a few chickens your leftovers in exchange for eggs. You realize how much food you used to waste and wonder why your eggs taste so much better than store-bought eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thiessen teases that this sparks the question, \u201cWhat else could be better if it was homegrown?\u201d Before long, you\u2019re planting a garden and searching online for other livestock you can raise right in your own backyard.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That curiosity is the beginning of something bigger. The process is almost contagious. Once you taste the rewards of homegrown food, it\u2019s hard not to want more\u2014more fresh produce, more self-sufficiency, and maybe even more animals to care for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The perfect starting point to becoming more self-sufficient<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chickens are often the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build a truly self-sufficient lifestyle, and it\u2019s easy to see why. They\u2019re not just adorable little fluff balls. These feathered friends are the unsung heroes of your homestead.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Jesse from <\/span>Alchemy Sky Homestead<\/span><\/a> puts it, \u201cChickens are integral to achieving self-sufficiency on our homestead, through consistent supply of nutrient-dense eggs and naturally integrated pest management.\u201d Having chickens means you don\u2019t have to rely on store-bought eggs or chemical pest control. The eggs they provide are a nutritious, reliable food source, and their natural behavior helps keep pests at bay without any extra effort from you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a homesteading journey, chickens are like a solid foundation. Once they\u2019re part of your routine, you\u2019ll begin to see how much more you can achieve with just a little land and a lot of care.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masha Mason of <\/span>Mockingbird Homestead<\/span><\/a>, a working farm specializing in poultry and waterfowl, highlights how chickens are the perfect entry point for anyone looking to live more sustainably: \u201cHomesteading is all about self-sufficiency, resilience, and getting back to the basics. Chickens are one of the easiest ways to start. They provide fresh eggs, help with pest control, and have the funniest little personalities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How chickens pave the way to independence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many aspiring homesteaders, chickens are the ultimate starter animal, kind of like the training wheels of self-sufficiency. Raising chickens is often the first real step toward independence, showing you firsthand what it means to rely on your own land for food.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candy Hansen at <\/span>Hansen’s Harvest KY<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Laurel County, KY<\/span><\/a>, shares, \u201cHomesteading is an amazing experience, fostering independence and a deeper connection to nature. Chickens are a great way to start a homestead; they\u2019re the gateway drug that leads you to more animals.\u201d Many homesteaders can relate to this sentiment\u2014what starts as a few backyard chickens quickly turns into a full-blown love for farming.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ability to produce one\u2019s own food is one of the major benefits of having chickens, as it reduces reliance on grocery stores and strengthens food security. In times of economic uncertainty or supply chain disruptions, knowing that your backyard flock can provide a steady food source offers peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomesteading is the key to self-sufficiency. It\u2019s the gateway to independence,\u201d states Alex Johnson at <\/span>Rustic Homestead Living<\/span><\/a>. \u201cGardening, raising animals, and traditional skills are the way to food security. Having chickens in your backyard is critical to starting that process.\u201d By starting with chickens, many families lay the foundation for a self-sufficient lifestyle that continues to grow over time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Allows you to embrace the peaceful lifestyle<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Homesteading is more than just a means of producing food. It\u2019s a way of life that embraces simplicity, tranquility, and a deep connection to nature. The gentle rhythm of tending to animals, working the soil, and living in tune with the seasons brings a sense of calm that is often lost in the modern world. For many, the quiet joy of collecting fresh eggs in the morning, listening to the soft clucking of hens, and watching the garden grow is what adds to the benefits of having chickens. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomesteading is a deeply satisfying lifestyle, rooted in the rhythm of nature\u2019s seasons,\u201d adorns Kathi Rodgers at <\/span>Oak Hill Homestead<\/span><\/a>, a gardening and homestead blog. \u201cGrowing your own healthy food and raising a few chickens are just some of the satisfying benefits of this quiet way of life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each day flows with purpose, yet without rush, creating a peaceful harmony between work, nature, and the soul. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more peaceful than watching your hens scratch in the earth, eating bugs and weed seeds,\u201d Rodgers adds. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. The role of chickens in creating a sustainable garden cycle<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Homesteaders like Matt Denning at <\/span>The Homestead Sanctuary<\/span><\/a>, a homestead \u2018bnb in <\/span>Boise, ID<\/span><\/a>, have long understood the vital role that animals play in supporting garden health. By allowing chickens to consume leftover food and garden pests, Matt creates a natural cycle of sustainability. \u201cThey eat leftover food that would normally end up in the trash (or compost, if we\u2019re on top of it), as well as bugs from our garden. In return, they give us eggs and nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which we add back to the compost pile, enriching the soil for our gardens. It\u2019s a perfect cycle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this way, the chickens serve as natural helpers for the garden, <\/span>reducing waste<\/span><\/a> while enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.<\/span> “Raising chickens has turned kitchen waste and table scraps into high-quality food,” adds Danielle Holstine, co-founder and CEO of Heroes Homestead<\/a>. “Eggs are a basic of every baked good and a staple to every meal. Easy food source for every backyard or homestead.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, at <\/span>Cedar Hill Homestead<\/span><\/a>, Victoria Fillmore uses her animals as partners in maintaining her garden’s health. \u201cHomesteading allows me to cultivate community, give back to the land, and provide nourishing food for my family,\u201d she says. Her chickens, foraging for insects and pests in the garden, help maintain a balanced ecosystem. \u201cTending to my flock and the garden that feeds us both gives me peace, assurance, and purpose, whether it\u2019s gathering fresh eggs, watching the chickens forage, or nurturing them through the seasons.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For both Matt and Victoria, chickens and other animals are not just pets or livestock, but vital partners in creating a thriving, sustainable garden that provides food, nourishment, and peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Nature\u2019s helper for healthier soil<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the other benefits of having chickens is that they enhance soil health in ways that help any <\/span>garden<\/span><\/a> or homestead, turning your backyard into a sustainable ecosystem. With their natural foraging and composting habits, these feathered little workers take on tasks that would otherwise require hours of effort.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRaising chickens not only provides a steady source of fresh eggs but also improves soil health through natural composting and pest control,\u201d states Shaun Alexander, founder and owner of <\/span>Homesteading Simple<\/span><\/a>, a blog about homesteading resources. Their natural foraging behavior is like a mini excavation project, as they scratch and turn the soil with their little claws, giving it a good shake-up. This helps loosen things up, allowing water to soak in better and air to circulate more freely.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ashley Bessler from <\/span>Wild Rose Herbs<\/span><\/a>, a botanical skincare company, highlights another key benefit of having chickens, noting, \u201cThe foundation of homesteading lies in connection to the land and fostering this connection through a reciprocal relationship. Chickens perhaps offer the largest reward with the smallest amount of effort. They provide rich fertilizer, nourishing eggs, and endless entertainment with their bird antics.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. A hands-on way to learn, grow, and connect with nature<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Raising chickens for the family can be an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the adults, but especially for kids. Watching them interact with the chickens, whether it\u2019s feeding them, collecting eggs, or just laughing at their goofy antics, creates memories that last a lifetime.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love seeing how my kids learn responsibility and develop empathy by caring for these animals,\u201d shares Amy Kelly at <\/span>Crunchy Mama Farms<\/span><\/a>, a family farm located in <\/span>Alvord, TX<\/span><\/a>. \u201cWhat started as two chickens in our suburban backyard has now blossomed into a full farm where we’re teaching others to live their own homesteading dreams.\u201d Chickens are a hands-on way for kids to learn responsibility, patience, and empathy. Caring for these feathered friends teaches them the value of routine and nurturing while giving them a real sense of pride as they watch their chickens flourish and deliver fresh eggs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the educational value, chickens are a great addition to any family\u2019s backyard homestead. They\u2019re not just fun to watch, they also provide practical benefits. Lyn Stanton, program director at <\/span>Homeplace on Green River<\/span><\/a>, a working and educational farm in South Central Kentucky, points out, \u201cOur local 4H club keeps layer hens year-round for learning opportunities. Kids love to meet and greet the chickens, and they are a lot of fun. Chickens are a great addition to any backyard homestead, and anyone can do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Raising chickens brings new life to the homestead<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adding chickens to your homestead can truly transform the energy and purpose of your property. They\u2019re not just charming additions to the landscape; they bring a sense of life and movement to the whole area. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Trellis Smith from <\/span>Modern Homestead<\/span><\/a>, a vacation home located in <\/span>Reedsville, WV<\/span><\/a>, explains, \u201cBringing chickens to your homestead can breathe new life and purpose into your property. Our flock has been essential for providing fresh, delicious eggs, while also helping to reduce vegetable scraps and offering natural fertilization for our garden.\u201d Chickens turn everyday waste into valuable resources, like turning kitchen scraps into compost and offering natural fertilizer that enriches the soil.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sight of chickens happily pecking around, the sound of their clucking, and the fresh eggs they provide all add a layer of vibrancy and activity to the homestead.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. A fun and educational way to instill responsibility in kids<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaving chickens makes homesteading even better,\u201d shares Haley Larson, owner of <\/span>HOMMA Homegoods<\/span><\/a>, a handcrafted herbal-infused healing salve company in <\/span>Spokane Valley, WA<\/span><\/a>. \u201cWhile being able to get fresh organic eggs right from your backyard is rich nowadays, chickens are great for keeping pests at bay and kids absolutely love them.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raising chickens offers more than just fresh eggs and natural pest control\u2014it\u2019s a fantastic way to teach kids valuable life skills that will stay with them for years. From learning the responsibility of daily chores to experiencing the joy of collecting their own food, chickens help kids develop a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. \u201cIt\u2019s a fun and family-friendly way to teach them life skills and responsibility while caring for their backyard pet,\u201d Larson adds. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickens are relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for young ones to start understanding the value of caring for animals. \u201cThough there are many wonderful aspects of homesteading, raising chickens has been the most rewarding for our family,\u201d states Amanda Rodden at <\/span>Golden Circle Homestead<\/span><\/a>. \u201cChickens are the perfect gateway animal since they don\u2019t require a ton of space. Our kids have been able to grow up with them, learning responsibility by caring for live creatures and collecting eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Raising chickens fosters resilience and connection with the land <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Raising chickens gives you way more than just a steady supply of fresh eggs. It opens the door to a whole new relationship with the land and the food you eat. It\u2019s like having your very own backyard farm, where you get to enjoy the magic of watching your chickens thrive and see firsthand where your food truly comes from.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPracticing self-determination by growing your own food and raising chickens fosters resilience,\u201d suggests Sunny Lindley at <\/span>Resiliency Coaching<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThe experience of eating food you grew or raised in relationship with the land nurtures the body and the soul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you raise chickens, you gain a sense of self-reliance and pride in knowing exactly where your food comes from. It\u2019s a powerful reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing something nourishing, and it fosters an appreciation for the cycles of nature.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The joy of homegrown eggs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something undeniably satisfying about collecting eggs from your own chickens, and that satisfaction never fades. As Cheryl Franklin from <\/span>Beeman Hollow Farm<\/span><\/a> shares, \u201cThe pleasure of gathering eggs from your own chickens never gets old. Not only do you have the satisfaction of knowing where your food is coming from but there\u2019s delight in going out to the nest when you realize you need some eggs for a recipe and there it is, just what you needed without going to the store.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a simple yet magical feeling to walk out to your coop, knowing you can gather fresh, organic eggs without the hassle of heading to the store. One of the many benefits of having chickens is the convenience of having a steady, local food source right in your backyard.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Knowing where your food comes from<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most powerful aspects of homesteading is the deep understanding of where your food comes from. It\u2019s a constant reminder that food doesn\u2019t just appear on grocery store shelves, it takes effort, time, and care to grow and raise, which makes each meal feel more meaningful and rewarding.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur days homesteading are so fulfilling. We know the effort it takes to grow and raise food,\u201d says Lorinda Barnes at <\/span>North Woods Homestead <\/span><\/a>and Purebred Mini Jersey Dairy Cattle<\/a>. \u201cOur kids and grandson have learned to be grateful after tending a seed that became a home-canned jar of ketchup for the potatoes they dug up and fried in grass-fed tallow. It’s an amazing life.\u201d This kind of hands-on experience teaches children not only the importance of hard work but also instills a deep sense of gratitude for the food they consume.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing exactly where your food comes from also empowers families to make more informed choices. As Tandy Hogate from <\/span>Common Ground Alaska<\/span><\/a>, a teaching farm that feeds Alaskans, explains, \u201cWe love raising chickens for meat and eggs. Knowing where our food comes from, how the animal is treated, and how it is fed is super important to us. Plus it helps our kids understand where their food comes from. It makes us all aware of how precious food is and how we should not waste a thing.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Chickens bring personality and joy to the homestead<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of having chickens are far more than just egg-laying or controlling pests\u2014they bring a burst of personality and charm to any homestead. The joy of raising chickens often comes from watching their unique behaviors and getting to know each bird\u2019s individual quirks. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelsey from <\/span>Happy Home Alaska<\/span><\/a> explains, \u201cYou start with a few chickens to try out homesteading, but before you know it, you\u2019re in love with their quirky personalities and find yourself with a growing flock, rocking chicken t-shirts, and drowning in eggs.\u201d Whether it\u2019s the curious pecking of a chick or the proud strut of a rooster, they bring endless entertainment and unexpected joy to the homestead.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickens are naturally curious, social creatures that love to interact with their environment, making them a perfect fit for families. \u201cChickens are a perfect addition to any homestead as they supply delicious eggs, eat pesky bugs, and turn food scraps into rich compost for the garden,\u201d states Katie at <\/span>High Tide Homestead<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThey also provide great entertainment, especially when the favorite Polish hen sometimes becomes a house chicken.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From their silly antics to their surprising behaviors\u2014like a Polish hen who thinks the house is the best place to be\u2014chickens never fail to make you smile. Their lively personalities not only add to the fun of homesteading but also bring an extra layer of warmth and connection to your home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11. Homesteading brings value to your community<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomesteading adds tremendous value to families and communities,\u201d declares Kristin Tesdall with <\/span>Frederick County Homesteaders<\/span><\/a> and co-editor and owner of <\/span>Five Roots Farm<\/span><\/a>. \u201cRaising chickens can bring a community together\u2014sharing tips, resources, and extra eggs with neighbors, strengthening local food systems.\u201d When you raise chickens, you become part of a network of homesteaders, sharing knowledge and resources that help strengthen local food systems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey are fairly inexpensive to get started with, are fun to watch, and provide your family with healthy protein,\u201d Kody Hanner at <\/span>The Homestead Education<\/span><\/a>. \u201cChickens provide opportunities for children to learn responsibility and even entrepreneurship by selling eggs to the neighbors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By selling eggs to neighbors, kids learn the value of hard work, gain a sense of accomplishment, and contribute to their community\u2019s self-sufficiency. Chickens are a gateway to building stronger, more resourceful communities, all while offering healthy food for the family and a fun way to engage with the world around you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The many benefits of having chickens<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, enjoy homegrown food, or just add some feathered fun to your <\/span>hobby farm<\/span><\/a>, a backyard flock is a fantastic investment. So, if you\u2019ve been on the fence about keeping chickens, consider this your sign to take the leap\u2014you (and your future flock) won\u2019t regret it.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you ever dreamed of stepping outside in the morning, collecting fresh eggs, and being greeted by a flock of happy, clucking chickens? The benefits of having chickens go way beyond just a steady supply of eggs. These feathery friends are natural pest controllers, soil-enriching composters, and even surprisingly entertaining companions.  Whether you’re a seasoned 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