When it comes to backyard chickens, our adventure started in the most unexpected way. My mom’s friend had chickens, and one day, my mom brought home some eggs, thinking it would be a fun project for the kids. Little did we know, this small idea would turn into a new passion for our family. Today, I’m breaking fown our backyard chicken journey and my tips for you if you ever choose to try hatching new members of the family.
Incubation & Hatching
We began incubating the eggs 21 days before Easter, and the anticipation was real. Nugget was the first to hatch, making their grand entrance the day after Easter, and Peaches followed the next Sunday. Watching them break out of their shells was absolutely magical. We quickly fell in love with these tiny, fluffy chicks.
Life with Nugget and Peaches
Right now, Nugget and Peaches are living in a brooder box in our master bathroom. Raising chicks is definitely a hands-on experience! We change their water multiple times a day because, let’s be honest, chicks are messy. They get specialty chick food, and we clean their bedding regularly to keep things fresh.
We spend tons of time with them. These little chickens are part of our daily routine, they hang out with us in the evenings, we read to them, and they even watch TV (or at least peep at our phones) right alongside us.
I never imagined chickens could be so affectionate. When I walk into the room, Nugget and Peaches jump out of their box and come running over. They fill our hearts with so much love and joy. It’s funny, most people think of chickens as dinner, not as pets, but these little creatures have shown us just how loving and sweet chickens can be.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Chicken Parents
If you’re thinking about raising backyard chickens, here are a couple of things I’ve learned:
Plan To Avoid Roosters
If you’re concerned about accidentally ending up with a rooster, which can be a challenge in some neighborhoods, consider buying pullets instead of hatching eggs. Pullets are young chicks less than one year old whose sex is known. I’m a little stressed because Peached, the darker one, is looking like it might be a rooster, and we’re already so attached. I’m hoping he stays sweet and quiet, or else we might have a problem with the neighbors.
Plan Your Supplies Early On
I also recommend planning ahead when it comes to supplies. Do not wait until your eggs are about to hatch to get everything ready. We learned this the hard way, and it got a little stressful. Make sure you have your brooder box, heat plate, food, and bedding all set up before the chicks arrive.
Plan to Be Patient
Raising Nugget and Peaches has taught me patience. Chickens are messy, and they require a lot of care. But the love and laughter they bring to our home make it all worth it.
I wouldn’t recommend these animals as pets for families that are overwhelmed with their current responsibilities or someone who is very regimented on their household cleanliness. If you’re a “neat freak” or similar, raising chickens is going to test your patience unlike raising other pets might.
Our Backyard Chickens
We’re already thinking about sharing more of our tips and tricks next spring, from incubating and hatching to moving the chicks outside. For now, we’re just soaking up every moment with Nugget and Peaches and learning as we go.
If you’re on the fence about backyard chickens, I can honestly say they’ll steal your heart. Who knew you could love a chicken so much? Stay tuned for more updates—and maybe even a blog about our favorite chicken breeds soon!
Chicken Care in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog sitting, cat sitting, dog walking, and, of course, chicken care, in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
Please contact us to discuss your backyard flock because chicken care is customized to your flock’s size, needs, age, etc.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
