Raising chickens on a homestead is one of the most rewarding and practical steps toward self-sufficiency. These small, hardy birds provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, natural pest control, and even companionship, all while requiring relatively modest space and care compared to larger livestock.

One of the biggest advantages of keeping chickens is their productivity. A small flock can produce dozens of eggs each week, often with richer flavor and deeper yolks than store-bought ones. We first started with 9 chickens our first year, and now we have about 13 hens 3 years later, and 1 rooster. Beyond eggs, chickens also contribute to the health of your land. As they scratch and forage, they help control insects, reduce food waste by eating kitchen scraps, and naturally fertilize the soil with their manure.

Caring for chickens is straightforward but requires consistency. They need a secure coop to protect them from predators. My husband built our coop and made sure to secure the hardware cloth in all areas to make sure no predators can come in at any direction.

They also need access to clean water, and a balanced diet—often supplemented by whatever they find while free-ranging. We feed our flock Kalmbach Layer Feed. When our chicks, which we add to our flock every year, are ready to be with the older chickens, we also give them Kalmbach Chickhouse Reserve Feed and the older chickens love it as well. I have noticed that with those feeds, they produce a lot of big eggs, even in the winter! I also wanted to point out that regular collection of eggs and basic coop maintenance go a long way in keeping the flock healthy and productive.

There’s also a quieter, less tangible benefit: chickens bring a rhythm to daily life. Letting them out in the morning, watching them roam, and closing up the coop at dusk creates a simple routine that connects you more closely to your environment.

While challenges like predators, weather, and occasional illness can arise, many homesteaders find that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. In the end, chickens are more than just a food source—they become an integral part of a sustainable, grounded lifestyle.

If you would like to follow our chicken farm page, follow https://www.facebook.com/mcdonough.chicken.farm/ !

-LM