Chickens Again?! Why?

It started when someone offered us 3 chickens and a rooster. We had just moved to Hickory to serve as the youth director. As we were getting to know the families of the church, we were intrigued by how many families were raising chickens. Most were doing it for the benefit of fresh farm eggs. Some were hobby farmers, while other were legit farmers with like cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and such.

We love our eggs, and thought, what a fun way to get fresh eggs. We were living on 2 acres of church property, so we thought, why not? The day arrived, 3 hens, 1 rooster, and 1 coop  were all delivered and set up. Were were chicken farmers! Kind of...

We vlogged the arrival and start of our chicken journey!

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That was it, the beginning of the addiction. With the years that followed, we raised a couple dozen chickens, ducks, turkey, and even a few pheasants. And yes, we enjoyed all the fresh farm eggs! Then we moved.

The plan has always been to have chickens again. It's something that Jay enjoy's during, raising and caring for small farm animals. It's kind of his hobby. Plus, we really do enjoy knowing where our eggs are coming from. And the flavor and quality of the eggs are so much better.

Shortly after moving in to our new home, Jay picked up some ducklings with the idea of starting our new little farm during the summer of 2020. From January through June, we watched the duckling grow. But just as we had started getting eggs, disaster struck. We lost our little flock to a devastating attack. We're not sure exactly what got our feathered friends, coyote, fox, raccoon...whoever it was, our ducks were gone. So was our hopes of having fresh eggs again. Well, at least for a little while.

So, why chickens, and why again?

Well, simply said, it's a hobby. But it's also therapeutic. Jay enjoys the responsibility and work that comes from caring for these little friends. It's why Jay keeps a vegetable garden. It's relaxing. Even fun. And, it give him something to do that is stress-free. And besides, who doesn't love watching something grow, or producing something that is good and beneficial? Both, the chickens and the vegetable garden grow and produce something that is good and beneficial.

But why now? Well, why not now. If we have learned anything in the last couple of years, it's that now is the time to do what you love and enjoy. And so yes, we have chickens. And yes, we're planting a small garden. Because we look forward to the work and the benefit that both offer.

Are we crazy?

Maybe.

But, will it be worth it?

Absolutely.

2022 has come with lots of hopes for things to be better than the last couple of years. But 2022, has also hit us hard with a number of significant life changing events. Some were good, some not so much. But instead of crawling into bed and pulling the covers over our heads and waiting it out till 2023, we're embracing the changes, the struggles, the accomplishments, and the joys as they come. Chickens are part of the joys we want to celebrate.

Of course the benefit of having fresh eggs again is something to look forward to. It will be a couple of months before we can expect anything, but we're excited just the same!

What are you doing that helps to being joy into your life? Do you have a hobby, a project, or some other outlet that you enjoy? What is it? Share a comment below. If you are raising chickens or other small farm animals, let us know your best tips or suggestions! Are you planning a summer vegetable garden? We are too. In fact, we will be posting that content in just a couple of weeks! In the meantime, what are planning to grow this summer? Any tips? We'd love to hear them!

Till then, find something you enjoy doing, and do it!

​- the higham family

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