Owning Chickens 101: My Journey into Backyard Homesteading

When I first got the wild idea to raise chickens, I had no clue what I was getting into. I imagined idyllic mornings, collecting fresh eggs, and watching happy hens scratch around the yard. In reality? Well, it's mostly like that—mixed with some surprises, messy coops, the occasional runaway chicken, and, yes, harvesting chickens for meat. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

If you’ve ever thought about owning chickens, let me take you on a little journey through my own experience. Here’s what I’ve learned so far about this crazy, rewarding adventure of raising chickens.

The Beginning: Why Chickens?

It all started with my desire to live a little closer to the land. You know, that Pinterest-perfect idea of homesteading: growing your own food, living sustainably, and, of course, fresh eggs on the breakfast table. Chickens seemed like the easiest entry point into that world. Little did I know how much these feathery creatures would take over my life!

While eggs were a big reason I started raising chickens, I also wanted to explore a more sustainable way to source my own meat. Knowing exactly how my food was raised, from the eggs we ate to the chicken meat we harvested, was part of my goal to be more self-reliant. And while the thought of butchering chickens might feel overwhelming at first, it becomes an integral part of the homestead lifestyle.

Setting Up the Coop: My DIY Project Gone...Well, Right

Building the coop was another story. In theory, it was just a box with a roof and a door, right? Wrong. I quickly realized that chickens are escape artists, and every inch of the coop had to be fortified like Fort Knox to keep out predators (and keep the chickens in).

After a few weekends of hammering, painting, and a couple of mismeasured boards, the coop finally came together. It wasn’t perfect, but it had character—much like the chickens that would soon inhabit it. If you're thinking about owning chickens, trust me: building the coop is half the adventure. And let me tell you, the satisfaction of seeing your chickens move in for the first time is second to none.

The Daily Chicken Shuffle: What It’s Really Like

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Chickens, while relatively low-maintenance, do require some daily care. Every morning starts with letting them out of the coop. They’ll greet you with enthusiastic clucks (because let’s be honest, they only love you for the food). I fill their feeder, top off their water, and check for any eggs that may have magically appeared overnight. Most days, they’re content to roam around, pecking at the grass and chasing bugs, and it’s oddly calming to watch. They’re nature’s little comedians, and I’ve spent more time than I care to admit just sitting and watching them.

Of course, not every day is a breeze. There are times I’ve chased an escapee across the yard in my pajamas, and cleaning out the coop? Yeah, that’s a chore I try to avoid until it’s absolutely necessary. But even the not-so-glamorous parts of chicken ownership are worth it for those peaceful moments when the world feels a little slower, and you realize you’re part of something bigger.

Preserving the Bounty: Canning Chicken Meat

One thing I never expected to learn through chicken ownership was the art of canning. Harvesting chickens gives you more meat than you might be able to use at once,

especially when the hens aren't laying as frequently in the winter. That’s where canning comes in handy. It’s an excellent way to store chicken for soups, stews, and quick meals. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a pantry shelf stocked with jars of homegrown chicken meat, knowing that nothing has gone to waste and that you'll have nutritious meals on hand for months to come.

Lessons Learned: The Good, the Bad, and the Feathery

One of the biggest surprises of raising chickens is how much they’ve taught me about patience and flexibility. Things don’t always go according to plan. A predator might find its way into the coop (that was a hard lesson), or a chicken might stop laying for no apparent reason. I’ve learned to roll with the punches, knowing that there’s always something new around the corner.

And honestly? Chickens are kind of like therapy. When life gets stressful, there’s something calming about heading out to the coop, collecting eggs, and just being in the moment with the flock. They remind me to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the simple things.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re thinking about getting chickens, my answer is yes, a hundred times yes. They’re a little messy, a little loud, sometimes demanding, and yes, harvesting them for meat can be emotional, but they’re also endlessly entertaining, rewarding, and, surprisingly, calming. Owning chickens has brought a new rhythm to my days—one that’s slower, more intentional, and connected to nature.

So, whether you’re in it for the fresh eggs, the sustainable meat, or just the joy of watching chickens be chickens, go for it! You might just find, like I did, that they give you much more than you ever expected.

Are you ready for the chicken life? Trust me, once you start, there’s no going back!

xoxo

The Bougie Farmer