There’s a certain kind of person who gets into backyard chickens. You know, the one who sees those dreamy Instagram photos of crisp white coops, glossy-feathered hens pecking daintily at wildflowers, and artfully placed baskets of freshly laid eggs. That person? Not me. Not you. Because let’s be real—backyard chickens are a hot mess in the best possible way.
I’m here to tell you that raising chickens is not an aesthetic—it’s an adventure. A messy, poop-filled, occasionally feather-ruffling, yet oddly rewarding adventure. And if you’re wondering whether you should take the plunge into chicken ownership, here are three reasons why you absolutely should.
Fresh Eggs: Because Store-Bought Just Doesn’t Cut It
Nothing will make you feel more like a homesteading queen (or king) than gathering warm, just-laid eggs from your own flock. Sure, you’ll have to wipe off the occasional piece of dirt (or worse), but the taste? Next level. Deep yellow yolks, rich flavor, and the satisfaction of knowing you didn’t pay $6.99 for a dozen organic eggs.
Will your chickens always lay eggs? No. They take winters off like moody influencers needing a “mental health break.” But when they do lay, it’s worth every peck and scratch you endure.
Built-In Pest Control (That Also Poops Everywhere)
Chickens are little velociraptors with a hunger for bugs. Have a tick problem? Chickens will eat them. Mosquito larvae? Gone. That one weird caterpillar you don’t trust? Consider it handled.
Of course, they’ll also enthusiastically “weed” your flower beds (read: destroy them), rearrange your mulch at will, and scratch dirt into places you didn’t know dirt could go. But hey, at least they’re helping with pest control.
Free Entertainment (And Relationship-Building Exercise)
Chickens are wildly entertaining. They have dramatic arguments, hold grudges, and will chase each other (and you) for a piece of bread like it’s Black Friday at Target. If you ever feel like life is too serious, just watch a chicken try to run—it’s like watching a T-Rex in a panic.
And if you’re married, chickens provide an excellent opportunity for teamwork. By teamwork, I mean convincing your husband that he should be the one to clean the coop while you focus on the important things, like naming them and posting about your “farm life” on Instagram (minus the part where he’s knee-deep in chicken droppings).
So You’re Ready for Chickens? Here’s How to Start
If I haven’t scared you off yet, congrats—you’re one of us now. Here’s how to get started:
- Build or Buy a Coop (And Make It Secure!)
Chickens have enemies. Lots of them. Raccoons, hawks, foxes, your neighbor’s sketchy cat—you name it. So, unless you want your backyard to turn into a real-life episode of Survivor, invest in a sturdy coop with a secure run.
- Start with Hardy Breeds
Not all chickens are created equal. Some are divas, some are workhorses, and some seem to exist solely to escape and cause chaos. If you’re new to this, start with breeds like Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, or Barred Rocks. They’re friendly, reliable layers, and slightly less inclined to cause anarchy.
- Accept the Mess (And Plan for It)
Chickens poop. A lot. More than you think. Instagram won’t show you the part where your coop starts smelling like a barnyard after a summer rain. Just embrace it. Deep litter bedding helps. So does regularly reminding your husband that he wanted to be more self-sufficient. (He didn’t, but now it’s too late.)
- Get Ready for Chicken Math
You say you’ll start with four. You’ll end up with twelve. It happens to everyone. Just lean into it.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos
Backyard chickens aren’t glamorous, but they are so worth it. They’ll provide eggs, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to test your spouse’s patience. So if you’re ready for a little dirt, a lot of feathers, and an endless supply of ridiculous moments, go for it. Just don’t expect it to look Instagram-worthy. Ever. And if it does? You’re probably making your husband do all the work. Which, honestly, is a solid strategy. Sorry Les 🙂
XOXO,
