Why I’m Obsessed with My Chickens as a Horse Girl

It’s no secret — I am obsessed with my chickens.

Over the last several years, I had been dreaming about owning chickens, but I hesitated. Coincidentally, this all aligned with taking a break from horses. Once you step away from owning livestock — especially when you add new factors like kids into the mix — you start questioning whether you’re ready and able to handle outside animals again.

It’s not just about the money. It’s the responsibility of going outside, rain or shine, every day. It’s worrying about keeping them alive in 100-degree heat or -40-degree cold. It’s finding someone who can farm-sit while you’re on vacation.

Chickens as the Gateway Back

For me, chickens have been the perfect gateway back into animal care — both for me and my kids. The kids are learning to handle chores before school, and I’m regaining confidence that we can manage more outside critters while keeping up with the kids.

Valuable Lessons Along the Way

When several chickens recently got loose, I used it as a learning opportunity. It’s not if animals get loose, it’s when. The first step is not to panic. Then, working together as a team, we focused on problem-solving to prevent the situation from getting worse and safely round them up. Watching my kids navigate the chaos calmly and collaboratively was such a rewarding experience — a lesson in responsibility, composure, and teamwork that goes far beyond the chicken coop.

Why You Should Buy Chickens

So here’s my advice: buy the darn chickens!

It has been such a fun journey to watch my kids and I care for these tiny creatures — from raising baby chicks in the house to witnessing their first eggs and hearing them crow for the first time. Chickens have brought so much joy, responsibility, and growth into our lives, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.