Have you ever dreamed of stepping outside in the morning, collecting fresh eggs, and being greeted by a flock of happy, clucking chickens? The benefits of having chickens go way beyond just a steady supply of eggs. These feathery friends are natural pest controllers, soil-enriching composters, and even surprisingly entertaining companions.
Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader in Clarksville, TN, Crawford, NE, or just starting to explore the world of self-sufficiency, raising chickens is an adventure full of fresh eggs, funny moments, and unexpected joys. From their quirky personalities to their many practical benefits, a backyard flock might just be the missing piece to your homesteading dream.
The benefits of having chickens
You might be surprised to learn that chickens are the third most popular pet in the U.S., with 11 million households across the country enjoying the many benefits of keeping backyard chickens, according to the latest data from the American Pet Products Association.
Chickens bring a ton of joy to a homestead and are honestly way more rewarding than you might expect. They’re not just entertaining with their goofy little antics and bigger-than-life personalities, but they also come with a bunch of practical perks that make life a whole lot easier—and a lot more fun.
As Tamia Jacques from Sustainable 626, a homestead in San Marcos, TX, says, “Chickens are a delightful addition to any homestead, bringing joy with their silly personalities and providing valuable lessons in responsibility for children.” They’re not just fun to watch, they also help with pest control in the garden and give you nutrient-rich manure for fertilizer. It’s a win-win: you get some laughs and a healthier garden while teaching kids about responsibility.
For Jen Mayer of The Bluebonnet Homestead, chickens have made her life feel more peaceful. “Caring for a lovely flock of chickens has been the highlight of our experience,” she says. “My favorite part is collecting healthy free-range eggs. It’s like a little surprise every day, and we never grow tired of it.” That daily egg collection? It never gets old. There’s something special about having fresh eggs right outside your door, and chickens add a little bit of magic to everyday life.
1. Raising chickens is the gateway to homesteading
Chickens are often the perfect starting point for anyone dipping their toes into homesteading. They’re low-maintenance, surprisingly fun, and the benefits of having chickens go way beyond the fresh eggs. Once you get a taste of the rewards, it’s hard not to get hooked on the whole homesteading thing. Plus, they make the whole process feel doable, even if you’ve never raised anything before.
Homesteading allows you to live a more self-sufficient life
“Chickens are the gateway to homesteading, turning any home into a source of fresh food, sustainability, and independence,” says Nicole Sauce at Living Free In Tennessee, a podcast about building the independent life of your dreams. “With just a small flock, you gain healthier eggs, natural pest control, and a deeper connection to your food. From there, it’s easy to expand into gardening, composting, and even raising more livestock.”
Once you get a taste of that, it’s hard not to want more. Chickens are a gateway to gardening and even raising other animals.
Spark a deeper connection to life and nature with homesteading
“Homesteading is the life and adventure you might have never thought you needed,” suggests Brandi Bartley at homestead blog Southern Acres Homestead. “We began with a few chickens and a garden, but it snowballed from there.” What started as a couple of chickens and a few plants quickly turned into a full-fledged homesteading lifestyle, one that’s given her family a deeper understanding of life, love, and slowing down.
From naming and caring for their chickens to watching their homestead grow in ways they never imagined, Brandi’s family has learned so much from the process. “One of our favorite things to do is name, tend to, and play with all of our feathery beauties,” she says, showing that homesteading is about more than just food. It’s about nurturing a lifestyle and enjoying the simple, beautiful moments that come with it.
Ignite a passion for homegrown living
Chickens have a sneaky way of making you fall in love with homegrown life. “We often joke that chickens are the gateway to homesteading,” shares Amanda Thiessen at Sunset Highway Farm, a family farm located in Spokane, WA. “You start with feeding a few chickens your leftovers in exchange for eggs. You realize how much food you used to waste and wonder why your eggs taste so much better than store-bought eggs.”
Thiessen teases that this sparks the question, “What else could be better if it was homegrown?” Before long, you’re planting a garden and searching online for other livestock you can raise right in your own backyard.
That curiosity is the beginning of something bigger. The process is almost contagious. Once you taste the rewards of homegrown food, it’s hard not to want more—more fresh produce, more self-sufficiency, and maybe even more animals to care for.
2. The perfect starting point to becoming more self-sufficient
Chickens are often the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build a truly self-sufficient lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why. They’re not just adorable little fluff balls. These feathered friends are the unsung heroes of your homestead.
As Jesse from Alchemy Sky Homestead puts it, “Chickens are integral to achieving self-sufficiency on our homestead, through consistent supply of nutrient-dense eggs and naturally integrated pest management.” Having chickens means you don’t have to rely on store-bought eggs or chemical pest control. The eggs they provide are a nutritious, reliable food source, and their natural behavior helps keep pests at bay without any extra effort from you.
In a homesteading journey, chickens are like a solid foundation. Once they’re part of your routine, you’ll begin to see how much more you can achieve with just a little land and a lot of care.
Masha Mason of Mockingbird Homestead, a working farm specializing in poultry and waterfowl, highlights how chickens are the perfect entry point for anyone looking to live more sustainably: “Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency, resilience, and getting back to the basics. Chickens are one of the easiest ways to start. They provide fresh eggs, help with pest control, and have the funniest little personalities.”
How chickens pave the way to independence
For many aspiring homesteaders, chickens are the ultimate starter animal, kind of like the training wheels of self-sufficiency. Raising chickens is often the first real step toward independence, showing you firsthand what it means to rely on your own land for food.
Candy Hansen at Hansen’s Harvest KY in Laurel County, KY, shares, “Homesteading is an amazing experience, fostering independence and a deeper connection to nature. Chickens are a great way to start a homestead; they’re the gateway drug that leads you to more animals.” Many homesteaders can relate to this sentiment—what starts as a few backyard chickens quickly turns into a full-blown love for farming.
The ability to produce one’s own food is one of the major benefits of having chickens, as it reduces reliance on grocery stores and strengthens food security. In times of economic uncertainty or supply chain disruptions, knowing that your backyard flock can provide a steady food source offers peace of mind.
“Homesteading is the key to self-sufficiency. It’s the gateway to independence,” states Alex Johnson at Rustic Homestead Living. “Gardening, raising animals, and traditional skills are the way to food security. Having chickens in your backyard is critical to starting that process.” By starting with chickens, many families lay the foundation for a self-sufficient lifestyle that continues to grow over time.
3. Allows you to embrace the peaceful lifestyle
Homesteading is more than just a means of producing food. It’s a way of life that embraces simplicity, tranquility, and a deep connection to nature. The gentle rhythm of tending to animals, working the soil, and living in tune with the seasons brings a sense of calm that is often lost in the modern world. For many, the quiet joy of collecting fresh eggs in the morning, listening to the soft clucking of hens, and watching the garden grow is what adds to the benefits of having chickens.
“Homesteading is a deeply satisfying lifestyle, rooted in the rhythm of nature’s seasons,” adorns Kathi Rodgers at Oak Hill Homestead, a gardening and homestead blog. “Growing your own healthy food and raising a few chickens are just some of the satisfying benefits of this quiet way of life.”
Each day flows with purpose, yet without rush, creating a peaceful harmony between work, nature, and the soul. “There’s nothing more peaceful than watching your hens scratch in the earth, eating bugs and weed seeds,” Rodgers adds.
4. The role of chickens in creating a sustainable garden cycle
Homesteaders like Matt Denning at The Homestead Sanctuary, a homestead ‘bnb in Boise, ID, have long understood the vital role that animals play in supporting garden health. By allowing chickens to consume leftover food and garden pests, Matt creates a natural cycle of sustainability. “They eat leftover food that would normally end up in the trash (or compost, if we’re on top of it), as well as bugs from our garden. In return, they give us eggs and nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which we add back to the compost pile, enriching the soil for our gardens. It’s a perfect cycle.”
In this way, the chickens serve as natural helpers for the garden, reducing waste while enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.
Similarly, at Cedar Hill Homestead, Victoria Fillmore uses her animals as partners in maintaining her garden’s health. “Homesteading allows me to cultivate community, give back to the land, and provide nourishing food for my family,” she says. Her chickens, foraging for insects and pests in the garden, help maintain a balanced ecosystem. “Tending to my flock and the garden that feeds us both gives me peace, assurance, and purpose, whether it’s gathering fresh eggs, watching the chickens forage, or nurturing them through the seasons.”
For both Matt and Victoria, chickens and other animals are not just pets or livestock, but vital partners in creating a thriving, sustainable garden that provides food, nourishment, and peace of mind.
5. Nature’s helper for healthier soil
One of the other benefits of having chickens is that they enhance soil health in ways that help any garden or homestead, turning your backyard into a sustainable ecosystem. With their natural foraging and composting habits, these feathered little workers take on tasks that would otherwise require hours of effort.
“Raising chickens not only provides a steady source of fresh eggs but also improves soil health through natural composting and pest control,” states Shaun Alexander, founder and owner of Homesteading Simple, a blog about homesteading resources. Their natural foraging behavior is like a mini excavation project, as they scratch and turn the soil with their little claws, giving it a good shake-up. This helps loosen things up, allowing water to soak in better and air to circulate more freely.
Ashley Bessler from Wild Rose Herbs, a botanical skincare company, highlights another key benefit of having chickens, noting, “The foundation of homesteading lies in connection to the land and fostering this connection through a reciprocal relationship. Chickens perhaps offer the largest reward with the smallest amount of effort. They provide rich fertilizer, nourishing eggs, and endless entertainment with their bird antics.”
6. A hands-on way to learn, grow, and connect with nature
Raising chickens for the family can be an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the adults, but especially for kids. Watching them interact with the chickens, whether it’s feeding them, collecting eggs, or just laughing at their goofy antics, creates memories that last a lifetime.
“I love seeing how my kids learn responsibility and develop empathy by caring for these animals,” shares Amy Kelly at Crunchy Mama Farms, a family farm located in Alvord, TX. “What started as two chickens in our suburban backyard has now blossomed into a full farm where we’re teaching others to live their own homesteading dreams.” Chickens are a hands-on way for kids to learn responsibility, patience, and empathy. Caring for these feathered friends teaches them the value of routine and nurturing while giving them a real sense of pride as they watch their chickens flourish and deliver fresh eggs.
Beyond the educational value, chickens are a great addition to any family’s backyard homestead. They’re not just fun to watch, they also provide practical benefits. Lyn Stanton, program director at Homeplace on Green River, a working and educational farm in South Central Kentucky, points out, “Our local 4H club keeps layer hens year-round for learning opportunities. Kids love to meet and greet the chickens, and they are a lot of fun. Chickens are a great addition to any backyard homestead, and anyone can do it.”
7. Raising chickens brings new life to the homestead
Adding chickens to your homestead can truly transform the energy and purpose of your property. They’re not just charming additions to the landscape; they bring a sense of life and movement to the whole area.
As Trellis Smith from Modern Homestead, a vacation home located in Reedsville, WV, explains, “Bringing chickens to your homestead can breathe new life and purpose into your property. Our flock has been essential for providing fresh, delicious eggs, while also helping to reduce vegetable scraps and offering natural fertilization for our garden.” Chickens turn everyday waste into valuable resources, like turning kitchen scraps into compost and offering natural fertilizer that enriches the soil.
The sight of chickens happily pecking around, the sound of their clucking, and the fresh eggs they provide all add a layer of vibrancy and activity to the homestead.
8. A fun and educational way to instill responsibility in kids
“Having chickens makes homesteading even better,” shares Haley Larson, owner of HOMMA Homegoods, a handcrafted herbal-infused healing salve company in Spokane Valley, WA. “While being able to get fresh organic eggs right from your backyard is rich nowadays, chickens are great for keeping pests at bay and kids absolutely love them.”
Raising chickens offers more than just fresh eggs and natural pest control—it’s a fantastic way to teach kids valuable life skills that will stay with them for years. From learning the responsibility of daily chores to experiencing the joy of collecting their own food, chickens help kids develop a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. “It’s a fun and family-friendly way to teach them life skills and responsibility while caring for their backyard pet,” Larson adds.
Chickens are relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for young ones to start understanding the value of caring for animals. “Though there are many wonderful aspects of homesteading, raising chickens has been the most rewarding for our family,” states Amanda Rodden at Golden Circle Homestead. “Chickens are the perfect gateway animal since they don’t require a ton of space. Our kids have been able to grow up with them, learning responsibility by caring for live creatures and collecting eggs.”
9. Raising chickens fosters resilience and connection with the land
Raising chickens gives you way more than just a steady supply of fresh eggs. It opens the door to a whole new relationship with the land and the food you eat. It’s like having your very own backyard farm, where you get to enjoy the magic of watching your chickens thrive and see firsthand where your food truly comes from.
“Practicing self-determination by growing your own food and raising chickens fosters resilience,” suggests Sunny Lindley at Resiliency Coaching. “The experience of eating food you grew or raised in relationship with the land nurtures the body and the soul.”
When you raise chickens, you gain a sense of self-reliance and pride in knowing exactly where your food comes from. It’s a powerful reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing something nourishing, and it fosters an appreciation for the cycles of nature.
The joy of homegrown eggs
There’s something undeniably satisfying about collecting eggs from your own chickens, and that satisfaction never fades. As Cheryl Franklin from Beeman Hollow Farm shares, “The pleasure of gathering eggs from your own chickens never gets old. Not only do you have the satisfaction of knowing where your food is coming from but there’s delight in going out to the nest when you realize you need some eggs for a recipe and there it is, just what you needed without going to the store.”
It’s a simple yet magical feeling to walk out to your coop, knowing you can gather fresh, organic eggs without the hassle of heading to the store. One of the many benefits of having chickens is the convenience of having a steady, local food source right in your backyard.
Knowing where your food comes from
One of the most powerful aspects of homesteading is the deep understanding of where your food comes from. It’s a constant reminder that food doesn’t just appear on grocery store shelves, it takes effort, time, and care to grow and raise, which makes each meal feel more meaningful and rewarding.
“Our days homesteading are so fulfilling. We know the effort it takes to grow and raise food,” says Lorinda Barnes at North Woods Homestead and Purebred Mini Jersey Dairy Cattle. “Our kids and grandson have learned to be grateful after tending a seed that became a home-canned jar of ketchup for the potatoes they dug up and fried in grass-fed tallow. It’s an amazing life.” This kind of hands-on experience teaches children not only the importance of hard work but also instills a deep sense of gratitude for the food they consume.
Knowing exactly where your food comes from also empowers families to make more informed choices. As Tandy Hogate from Common Ground Alaska, a teaching farm that feeds Alaskans, explains, “We love raising chickens for meat and eggs. Knowing where our food comes from, how the animal is treated, and how it is fed is super important to us. Plus it helps our kids understand where their food comes from. It makes us all aware of how precious food is and how we should not waste a thing.”
10. Chickens bring personality and joy to the homestead
The benefits of having chickens are far more than just egg-laying or controlling pests—they bring a burst of personality and charm to any homestead. The joy of raising chickens often comes from watching their unique behaviors and getting to know each bird’s individual quirks.
Kelsey from Happy Home Alaska explains, “You start with a few chickens to try out homesteading, but before you know it, you’re in love with their quirky personalities and find yourself with a growing flock, rocking chicken t-shirts, and drowning in eggs.” Whether it’s the curious pecking of a chick or the proud strut of a rooster, they bring endless entertainment and unexpected joy to the homestead.
Chickens are naturally curious, social creatures that love to interact with their environment, making them a perfect fit for families. “Chickens are a perfect addition to any homestead as they supply delicious eggs, eat pesky bugs, and turn food scraps into rich compost for the garden,” states Katie at High Tide Homestead. “They also provide great entertainment, especially when the favorite Polish hen sometimes becomes a house chicken.”
From their silly antics to their surprising behaviors—like a Polish hen who thinks the house is the best place to be—chickens never fail to make you smile. Their lively personalities not only add to the fun of homesteading but also bring an extra layer of warmth and connection to your home.
11. Homesteading brings value to your community
“Homesteading adds tremendous value to families and communities,” declares Kristin Tesdall with Frederick County Homesteaders and co-editor and owner of Five Roots Farm. “Raising chickens can bring a community together—sharing tips, resources, and extra eggs with neighbors, strengthening local food systems.” When you raise chickens, you become part of a network of homesteaders, sharing knowledge and resources that help strengthen local food systems.
“They are fairly inexpensive to get started with, are fun to watch, and provide your family with healthy protein,” Kody Hanner at The Homestead Education. “Chickens provide opportunities for children to learn responsibility and even entrepreneurship by selling eggs to the neighbors.”
By selling eggs to neighbors, kids learn the value of hard work, gain a sense of accomplishment, and contribute to their community’s self-sufficiency. Chickens are a gateway to building stronger, more resourceful communities, all while offering healthy food for the family and a fun way to engage with the world around you.
The many benefits of having chickens
Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, enjoy homegrown food, or just add some feathered fun to your hobby farm, a backyard flock is a fantastic investment. So, if you’ve been on the fence about keeping chickens, consider this your sign to take the leap—you (and your future flock) won’t regret it.
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