5 Things I Learned AFTER Getting Chickens

5 Things I Learned After Getting Chickens

Chickens might seem like a simple addition to your backyard, but let me tell you, they come with their own quirks and surprises! Here are five things I learned after becoming a chicken owner.

1. Great Compost Material

Let’s talk about the poop—they do it a lot. This is great for compost, not so great when it’s happening near your front door in the middle of winter! Our sidewalk to the garage seems to be their favorite hangout, which becomes a whole situation when the snow piles up. Sure, we could stop shoveling and let nature take its course, but then we’d just be trading snow drifts for chicken droppings. (I thought about showing you a picture, but decided to spare you the visual. You’re welcome!)

On the upside, all that waste is packed with nutrients, making it the ultimate addition to our compost pile. If you’ve ever wanted to enrich your garden naturally, chicken poop is liquid gold. Just be ready to keep the shovels handy in winter.

2. Roosters Really Are Early Risers

I knew roosters crowed at dawn, but so early? Especially in the summer! I didn’t plan on getting a rooster, but thanks to a generous ‘gift’ of chickens, we ended up with one. In our early chicken-raising days, we let them free-range a bit too young, and most of them wandered off. But this roo? He stuck around. He’s turned into quite the protector of his ladies. He takes his job seriously, and though I’m not thrilled about the pre-dawn wake-up calls, I can appreciate a rooster that keeps his flock safe.

3. Natural Bug Control

Letting your girls free-range is not only fun to watch, but it’s also a natural way to control pests. They peck and scratch at just about everything, helping to keep bugs in check. Unfortunately, there’s one thing they won’t touch—stink bugs.(If anyone out there has chickens who eat those, please let me know your secret!) But for everything else, these feathered friends do a pretty fantastic job at bug control. Your garden will thank you!

4. Eggs: The Ultimate Reward

If you’ve never had homegrown eggs, you’re missing out. The yolks are rich, dark, and bursting with flavor. Honestly, I’ve become a total egg snob. Store-bought eggs just can’t compare. We’re lucky that our hens are still laying two eggs a day, even without extra light during the darker months. Nothing beats stepping out into the crisp morning air, grabbing a fresh egg, and knowing exactly where it came from.

5. Endless Entertainment

If you’re looking for a way to disconnect, just pull up a chair and watch your chickens. I’ve been guilty of sitting outside with a cup of coffee, watching them strut around, pecking at the ground and chatting amongst themselves. You might even forget about your phone—unless you’re snapping pics of them for Instagram, which I admit to doing a lot. And when they’re young? It’s like having your own reality show in the backyard. You won’t need any other form of entertainment once you start watching these feathered comedians in action.

Chickens have been a rewarding, albeit occasionally hilarious, addition to our home. They give us food, keep the bugs at bay, and offer endless laughs. So, if you’re on the fence about getting chickens, I say go for it. Just be prepared for some wintertime surprises and the early morning wake-up calls!

Do you have chickens on your homestead or in your backyard? Share your favorite quirks in the comments below.

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