I’ve wanted to raise chickens for a long time. I see it as the first big step in my vision for homesteading. I also wanted the experience for my kids. With our recent move to Mississippi, I finally had the space to explore this as a real possibility.

What really precipitated the leap was the unfortunate passing of my grandfather. He was a retired farmer and kept a few laying hens around. Eventually, only one was left. A Rhode Island Red. My wife, who is just as ready to go as I am, wanted that hen to go to a good home.

His coop was in serious disrepair and I needed an expedient solution. The local Tractor Supply had what looked like a good option for $400. My dad and I cleared a couple dead trees in a shady spot and opened the box. It was relatively easy for the two of us to set up in a couple hours. Sort of like farm Ikea. Some pine shavings and it was ready for its new tenant.

Chicks, Chicks, Chicks

One hen does not provide many eggs. Therefore, we decided to get some chicks. I utilized a large, folding, cage-style dog crate and wrapped it in a fine mesh. I went around the inside to keep them from wedging themselves between the wire and the mesh. Add in a feeder/waterer and a brooder and we were in business.

Normally chick season is in the spring but several farmers and hatcheries still sell in the fall. This is especially true for more common breeds and we found the ones my wife wanted just a short drive away.

Originally, we wanted eight birds and four breeds. Upon getting there, we saw they had another breed we wanted and upped our order to 10. While packing them into a box, the worker turns and says “I don’t know if this one is going to make it so I’ll give you another for free.” When we got home, I counted them up and discovered that there were actually 12 tiny dinosaurs running around a cage in my office.

Two Weeks In

Our OG hen settled comfortably and started laying immediately. My 9 and 2 year old both help with chicken chores every day and seem to enjoy it.

The chicks are growing, pooping, and generally being cute little psychos. As for the little runt. After some careful attention, hand feeding, and some physical therapy (yes, I’m serious), she is getting stronger by the day. She’s still the smallest but it is getting harder to tell her from others of her breed.

My current status is planning two more coop builds from our scrap lumber pile.