Chickens truly are the gateway animal on a homestead, and ours is no exception. Last week we drove out to a small hatchery, operated in a local family’s backyard, kitchen, and garage. Day old chicks peeped and chirped in boxes, and pens of turkeys, hens and game fowl stood in the yard. We got a small box of chicks – three Ameracaunas, two Rhode Island Reds, three Buff Orphingtons, and two Black Australorps. At the last minute, I decided to exchange out a Buff Orphington pullet for a rooster, knowing that they tend to be docile and good around children. So there it is, the start of our laying flock – 9 hens and one rooster.
For now they are in a box in the kitchen, where they can remain warm under a heat lamp, and where we can all watch “Chick TV.” The kids are enamored with the chicks, of course, and all sorts of chick shenanigans have ensued, from truck and train rides around the house, to outdoor field trips.
As we drove home, Brian remarked, “I feel like a real homesteader again,” and it is so true. Not having animals or a garden to tend has just felt incomplete. I’m so happy to jump back into the daily routine of caring for the animals and plants that provide us with food and joy.
* This post shared with The Backyard Farming Connection, Homestead Barn Hop, Monday Menagerie, and Natural Living Monday.
It amazes me how so many people out there are doing the same thing without knowing it. I just started to raise chickens this spring as well. It’s the exact reason I started a blog.
I hope you enjoy it, we are.
That’s great that you got yourself some chicks this spring! We have actually been raising chickens for over a decade, but recently moved across country and had to give away our previous flock. It’s so nice to start anew! And I feel like I learn something new every time.
I don’t know who is cuter, the children or the chicks 🙂
Aw, thanks! They are both pretty cute, although I’m partial to the children!
Awe, the chicks and your children are so adorable! I love the pictures of the choo-choo train! My daughter would love chicks… I may have to convince my hubby to look into getting us some 🙂
Thanks for sharing on Natural Living Monday!
Chickens are really fun and not hard to care for, even in your backyard!
So sweet!
Thanks! It has been quite fun this time. Last time we had chicks, Everett was terrified of them!
Teri—WONDERFUL!! So cute and funny about the kids playing with them! XXOO Ann
They are enjoying the chicks so much!
great photos! ya know, we don’t consider ourselves homesteaders in our urban setting, but I feel like we are living these ideals in so many ways and love it, the chickens and eggs and making sure they have a diverse diet with limited forage range (they need supervision or they will eat my baby plants coming up in the garden beds), our 5 humongous veggie beds and general do it yourself attitude. We don’t come close to the level you and Brian are making of it, but its a value, and its wonderful, thanks for your inspiration! Everett is so big!
I’m always amazed at what you guys have cooking in your backyard! Flowers, food, beautiful spaces. So wonderful. I’d certainly call you an urban homesteader!
Love you!