The Joy of Backyard Chickens - What I wish I knew Before Starting
Backyard chickens were one of the most unexpectedly joyful things we’ve brought into our home.
What started as a simple idea—fresh eggs, a bit more self-sufficiency—quickly became something much more. They became part of our daily routine, part of home-life, and honestly, part of the family.
Ours were bantams—small, gentle, and full of personality. And while they may be different to standard chickens in size, the experience of keeping them is similar and something I’d recommend to anyone considering backyard chickens.
It’s more than just eggs
Yes, the fresh eggs are a huge benefit. Particularly with growing concerns about the cost of living, produce supply uncertainty and increasing desire for a less reliant lifestyle.
But what I didn’t expect was how much joy they would bring, not only for the kids but for the adults too. I can confidently say that they have contributed to how much time we spent outdoors, time spent together as a family and overall mental wellbeing.
We’ve had chickens being cuddled, wandering through the yard, and even occasionally making their way into the house. One of our bantams decided that the end of my son’s bed was the perfect place to lay her egg each day—which, while not exactly planned, became one of those funny, memorable parts of having them.
They’re curious, calm, and surprisingly interactive.
They make your home feel alive
Whether they were free-ranging through the backyard—or even the front yard at times—there was something really grounding about having them around.
They scratch, peck, explore… and somehow turn even a simple suburban block into something that feels more connected and alive.
What I wish I had known earlier
As enjoyable as it was, there were definitely a few things I had to figure out along the way.
Their space matters more than you think
They need enrichment (they get bored easily)
Coop setup and protection are important
And there are a lot of small details you don’t realise until you’re already doing it
None of it is difficult—but it’s much easier when you know what to expect.
Creating a space that works
One of my favourite parts was creating a small but interesting space for them.
We kept things simple and used what we had:
Branches tied together with twine for climbing
Old pots and even boots planted with herbs for them to peck at
Bits of furniture repurposed into little perching areas
A bale of hay they could slowly pull apart (which later turned into compost)
It didn’t need to be perfect—it just needed to give them things to explore.
A helpful starting point
If you’re thinking about getting backyard chickens, it’s not as complicated as you may think.
When we started, there was a lot of trial and error until we figured out what was important, what wasn’t, what worked for our flock and what worked for us.
I had to do a lot of research to figure it all out. Since then, I have come across this chicken-keeping guide and wish I had found it sooner. It cuts through the confusing advice from pet and produce stores and simplifies it all.
In my opinion, this guide is a must have for anyone wanting to bring the joy of chickens into their life.
You can chook it out here
Final thoughts
Backyard chickens don’t just give you eggs—they add something really special to your home.
They bring a sense of routine, connection, and a surprising amount of joy to everyday life.
If you’re even considering it, it’s absolutely worth eggsploring (sorry!).