Acreage and Animals: My Mini-Homesteading Journey

About five years ago, my dream of having some acreage—a place to garden and raise chickens—really took root. We sold our home in November of 2021 and bought a smaller fixer-upper on 3.25 acres. 

Last July, I finally got my chicken coop, hoping for just five or six hens. Instead, I ended up with thirteen. I found someone who was moving and had a flock she needed to rehome, and I couldn't bear to split them up. I even bought extra fencing to make sure they had a nice run. I quickly became a little obsessed with my chickens, focusing on feeding them high-quality food and letting them free-range on our land. Of course, free-ranging comes with its risks, and we did lose a few to hawk attacks, which was heartbreaking.

This spring, our little chicken family got bigger! I couldn't resist picking up some new chicks from the feed store, and we even added a new breed to the flock: French Black Copper Marans.

The joy of raising them is twofold: we provide a caring environment for our flock, and in return, they provide us with the best farm-fresh eggs we could ask for.

A couple of weeks ago, a neighbor asked if I'd be willing to rescue an abandoned rooster. Of course, I couldn't say no! We've named him Cluck Norris, and the hens are completely in love with him. Now I'm just hoping one of my hens goes broody and hatches her own chicks.

I love my day job, but my mini-homesteading hobby is where I truly unwind. After a long day of working with technology, there's nothing better than getting my hands dirty and spending time in nature. It's my favorite way to unplug, relax my mind, and get some fresh air.