It Aint For Sissies

I have been reading a lot about people in urban areas deciding to become backyard chicken farmers only to discover it wasn't as bucolic as they imagined and now shelters are having to figure out what to do with the chickens. I think we as farmers have a responsibility to make sure those who read our blogs and articles understand.. animal husbandry of any sort takes a tremendous amount of work and dedication. It is tough going some days and means taking on the responsibility of another creatures health and happiness. Go into any animal endeavor with your eyes wide open. This will make your experience better and may help you decide if this life is for you!

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Free range my chickens bring much joy. This comes with it's dangers, however I believe this is the healthiest choice for my flock. If you live in an urban environment, this will be too dangerous for your chickens. You must take into account where you live!  I am lucky that I do not face a lot of predators. I do not cover my area, though there are a lot of places they can run to for cover from the sun, potential predators and weather. Living in the "wilds" of Wyoming it is good to be knowledgeable of the type of predators which pose a threat in my area. Do your research in regards to your area. What are the potential dangers your animals may face? Talk with neighbors or other people who are doing what you wish to do!

Know your climate and do the research. A certain chicken may be pretty but will it survive and survive well in your climate? What kind of eggs do you want? Do you want meat chickens or egg chickens?  Are Roosters allowed in your area? What will you do if your little hen turns out to be a little Roo? These are all important questions to know the answer to.

 Wanting mainly egg layers, I researched the top layers with the other characteristics I desired. Years ago we slaughtered all the extra Roosters we had. Honestly, I am tooooo soft hearted for that... I could not even cook them! Will you have a place to animals you cannot care for? 


My main focus was be cold hearty animals, family friendly,  with high egg production . I knew I wanted brown or colored eggs. Do you care about cross breeding? Do you have a way to separate hens from Roosters? Do you know how to handle a mean rooster?

Are you prepared for the unpredictableness of animals? This little gal is a crazy flyer... I swear I have to duck almost every day or she may roost in my hair! We also had to train all our animals to co-exist peacefully. You cannot have a dog attacking your goats or pigs! Do you have neighbors with aggressive animals. Do you know your local laws regarding farm animals?

What are your financial limitations? Investing thousands into safe living quarters for my animals was not even a possibility.Do you have access to free or nearly free items to build with? Pallets make wonderful pens!

Will you be able to easily obtain and afford feed. We chose a barley fodder system, as well as grinding organic grains. In our area, organic eggs at the store run $4-$5 a dozen! We are committed to organic so the extra cost for organic feed is ok with us. 

Do you have the time and ability to commit to early mornings, late nights and anything in between? Willow requires milking twice a day even though I work full time. Sometimes you must walk a goat in the middle of the night if they get bloat and yet still make it to work on time the next day. You must nurse an animal back to health or hold it as it passes away. Will you want to milk twice a day, avoid vacations because your animals count on you and are creatures of habit who get upset at change, or learn everything you can about animal husbandry skills? 

Have I scared you away from farming or backyard chicken keeping yet? I hope not. Even a backyard coop can bring tremendous joy. What a delight it was finding this little green egg today. It was proof my little Easter Egger had laid her very first egg! The work is made worth it by daily moments of joy and the love you share with your critters!

Her first egg ended up being a double yolker... I have never had one of these! Hopefully she will lay single ones and this was just a fluke ... because she wont be able to hatch these out. Cracking her first egg to be made into a marvelous dinner was wonderful!

There is nothing like eating fresh eggs! This crustless quiche made a wonderful summer dinner!

Dolomite has had to learn that chickies are not for eating...and he must stay out of the way while I milk! He was a rescue... and adopted us when we moved into our house! 

..and when he does... he gets a little treat! All the work and responsibility is worth it in the end. Take baby steps, learn as you go and be blessed!

At the end of the day, sometimes exhausted beyond belief, this life I have chosen sets well with me. There is a profound sense of rightness and happiness. 

The above slide show was my day today. As you can see... I have a lot of beauty and love around this place! Thank you for letting me share it with you!