Backyard Chickens? We chat with 3 of our favorite chicken owners

From daily eggs and surprise nests to happy hour entertainment

This past year was the start of many things — from homemade sourdough to a tie dye resurgence to TikTok dances. While the pandemic inspired an impressive variety of trends, one trend in particular resonated most with those of us here at Handsome Brook Farms, and that was…the love & care of chickens.
That’s right. Whether it was the international egg shortage, an enhanced appreciation for nature, or simply the need for a little extra companionship — backyard chickens went from niche to norm as thousands of Americans took on the role of poultry parent. 

While we at Handsome Brook Farms have grown to look after many more hens on many more acres, we love this trend, because it reminds of our humble roots — when we were raising just five hens in a bucolic backyard.
That’s why we thought it would be a nice walk down memory lane to speak to three of our favorite chicken owners about what inspired them to embrace the chicken life and what they’ve learned since doing so.

Now, without further ado…

You're obviously very invested in chickens — so what inspired you to get your very first chicken?

Growing up, we had every OTHER type of pet (including ducks and geese), but never chickens. I have no idea why, and I still harass my parents about it to this day (incidentally, they have no clue either—it just never happened, and nobody wants to assume responsibility for the life path-altering chicken void in my early years). I had always been pretty fascinated with chickens, and knew that as an adult, whenever I landed in a house/property where I could have them, I would have them. And when we found our current house, I knew it was going to be the place…and here we are 10 years later, still chickening.

What's the most unexpected or surprising part about owning your own chickens?

I would say that it’s how entertaining they are. My entire Drinking with Chickens brand was born out of the very simple pleasure of sitting in the garden and watching the chickens chicken around. They are sassy, they are hilarious, and it’s really easy to lose track of time relaxing in the yard and watching them. Especially if you are enjoying a beverage or two while you do it.

What's one way that having your own chickens and/or eating freshly-laid eggs has made a difference in your life? 

It has definitely made me more aware of where my food is coming from, and made me extra appreciative of the ability to harvest what I can from my own garden. And also…those fresh eggs have really elevated my garden-to-glass cocktail situation.

What inspired you to get your very first chicken?

My grandmother insisted! She said, "you can't have an urban farm without chickens!" 

What's the most unexpected or surprising part about owning your own chickens?

It was amazing how fast they started to lay and how often they would lay. Just a few chickens produced a surplus of eggs for me and neighbors.

What's one way that having your own chickens and/or eating freshly-laid eggs has made a difference in your life? 

There is nothing like eating your own eggs! The colors are fascinating, and the flavors are unmatched by anything you could buy at a grocery store. It may have something to do with the connection between you and your birds.

What inspired you to get your first chicken?

I moved to the country and fell in love with the idea of owning a chicken. It just seemed like the right thing to do. But once I got them I realized there was so much more! They have such fun personalities, they even help around the farm by keeping down weeds, and there's far less bugs. They've been a great addition to our homestead. 

What's the most unexpected or surprising part about owning your own chickens & watching the egg-laying process for yourself? 

I guess I didn't realize how many eggs they really lay! It's been fun to find an unexpected nest and such! The egg color variety truly is beautiful as well! It's a magical process gathering eggs each day. 

What's one way that having your own chickens and/or eating freshly-laid eggs has made a difference in your life?

Having chickens has brought a lot more joy, laughter and fun! We also donate our eggs to a local shelter which is our way of giving back to some of our community. I'd say they've made a big difference :)