Chicken Chat

Getting into poultry was always something I wanted to do. The farm life has been a part of me since I was a child. My husband and I finally moved to the country a little over a year ago, and it has been such a positive, life-changing experience.

An additional reason I got into poultry is for my future children to learn care and responsibility starting at a very young age. This is something I strongly stand by!

I’ve heard from several people that chickens are different than owning other animals. There is no attachment to them, and they are very self-sufficient, some say. I quickly learned this is not the case! My flock is mixed with large, colorful egg-layers such as Olive Eggers, along with small egg-layers including Silkies.

The variety of chicken breeds available intrigues me like none other. Each bird brings a different meaning and roll into your flock. It’s difficult to not want them all!

My Divas

One thing I’d like people who have never owned poultry before to realize is that chickens are absolute divas! The second mine see me walk outside, they scream until they’re let out of their run for free-ranging. If they don’t have fresh water, they follow me around the yard until they hear the hose fill with water and are satisfied. If they hear the crinkling of a bag, they come running from across the yard knowing that’s the sound of treats to be had! I can tell who is who solely by the noises that each different chicken makes.

Inquiring Minds

We have friends and family visit us often, and I will catch them standing in the yard, watching the chickens almost in a trance. Whoever is standing out there will eventually walk back and tell me how peaceful it is to simply watch the chickens roam. They all leave feeling refreshed with an extra sort of calmness about them. Sitting outside, having my crazy flock scattered around and watching the sunset is a daily experience I never want to give up.

Whether it’s owning chickens for eggs or to have them as pets, anyone can find a benefit of owning a flock. Chicken math is certainly a real thing so proceed with caution! If you have ever considered getting into chickens but haven’t made the leap, I strongly suggest taking a deep breath and doing so.

Brittany Zickus lives in Sheridan, Illinois. Follow her on Instagram @thelittlewhitecoop.