Raising chickens is often described as a blend of practical homesteading and surprising deep life lessons. – Anonymous

My first business deal was with my mother. I invested in chickens and I sold my eggs to my mother. – Joel McCrea, American actor (1905-1990)

I’m not quite sure if we’re seeing the bringing out of chicken days with the change of weather; however, several feed stores are starting to sell chickens and all the accoutrements. Get ready. We have neighbors out here in the Prairie raising chickens. A friend of mine over in Oktibbeha when I lived there asked me to feed the chickens while she went out of town. I told her I knew nothing about chickens. “All you need to do is round them up and they’ll go to the coop.” What if they don’t go? She said, “Haven’t you ever heard ‘going to bed with the chickens?’ So, while she was gone, I herded the chickens and they went easily back into the coop. My friend had a favorite chicken; she was beautiful with head feathers groomed like Tina Turner. She was prissy. And I did have to chase her a few times.

Another quote posted on chickens “A pet that can make you breakfast.” There’s a multiple reason for raising chickens. They are easy, inexpensive to maintain unlike other pets. Hen’s eggs are fresh and nutritious. Should you live within certain community limits be sure to check it’s allowed by law to raise chickens. Chickens come in different breeds so check out the breed that fits you. Chickens can produce different color eggs, blue, brown, green, and so on.

An appropriate coop is needed, just like chickens there are numerous chicken coops, such as “Producer’s Pride” some will come with heaters, while each coop has its own capacity to consider. Should you find a coop with wheels it will be easy and convenient.

Coops should be sturdy, able to lock, hardware cloth, and maybe electric fencing. Unfortunately, if the chickens are not in their safe place, especially in the night hours, they may find themselves facing night predators including raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls, snakes, skunks, possums, often called “Opossums.” Even domestic dogs and cats can be chicken predators.

It’s only a few weeks before Easter, April 5. While many people purchase bunny rabbits for Easter it’s possible that chickens may have more fun and provide a breakfast meal and other goodies. Back Yard Chickens website online offers a lot of information on raising and caring for chickens. The Back Yard Chickens also offer membership benefits available by signing up for a community of folks raising chickens. By sharing the website owners and the members who are also posting what they have learned and are sharing about their own ways of growing chickens. Just making things easier.

Now it’s all up to you, it just may be the exact thing you’ve been looking for. Enjoy, relax, make yourself a home for the chickens and gather your Easter eggs.   

Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].