The joy of backyard chickens
Who needs social media when you have a flock of beautiful backyard chickens?
Meet THE Ladies
Meet my fabulous backyard flock—four charming hens who happily call my garden home. They spend their days scratching for bugs, fluffing up their feathers, quietly clucking and laying fresh eggs with great pride.
Blanche, Stella, Parker and Posey (left to right)Why I love Backyard Chickens
There’s something so beautifully simple and joyful about raising chickens. Whether it’s starting my day with a cup of coffee while watching my flock happily pecking around the grass, or sharing their beautiful, fresh eggs with friends and neighbors. Chickens feel like such a small, meaningful way to stay connected to both nature and my community.
My chicken adventure began back in 2008, when my kids were just 6, 4, and 2 years old. I can still vividly remember standing in line at the post office, hearing the faint peeping of a tiny box behind the counter. Those were my very first day-old chicks, sent through the mail! Fast forward to today—my children are now off at college, and these days I get my chicks from the wonderful Alchemist Farm in Sebastopol.
Through all of life’s seasons, chickens have been a constant source of joy for our family. They’ve taught us about what really matters in life—care, patience, and the quiet rhythms of the natural world.
I truly love having backyard chickens and here are a few of the reasons why they’ve earned a permanent place in my heart:
Fresh Eggs, Every Day
Home-laid eggs are tastier, fresher, and often more nutritious than store-bought.
Waste Not, Want Not
Chickens love leftovers! They turn kitchen scraps into eggs and fertilizer—zero waste heroes.
Free Fertilizer
Their droppings are rich in nitrogen and perfect for composting—your garden will thank you.
Natural Pest Control
Chickens are bug-hunting machines. Goodbye slugs, grubs, and even ticks.
Built-In Entertainment
They’re funny, quirky, and surprisingly social. Think of it as backyard reality TV!
Teach Kids (& Grown-Ups)
They’re great for learning about food systems, responsibility, and the circle of life.
Eco-Friendly Living
Reducing waste, eating local, and skipping egg cartons? That’s some serious sustainable swagger.
Backyard Bliss
They make your space feel alive and connected to the rhythms of nature.
Conversation Starters
Share eggs, swap chicken stories, and charm your neighbors with your urban farm vibes.
Surprisingly Calming
Chicken watching = nature’s therapy. Soft clucks, gentle pacing, peaceful pecking—instant mood boost.
Harley’s never too far behind his ladies.
Stella, the first layer of the flock.
Interested in starting a flock of your own?
Let’s talk!
FAQs
DO I need a rooster for hens to lay eggs?
Nope! Hens lay eggs without a rooster. You only need a rooster if you want fertilized eggs (i.e., baby chicks).
How many chickens should I start with?
3–6 hens is a great starter flock. Chickens are social and do best in groups—not solo!
How many eggs will I get?
A healthy hen can lay 4–6 eggs per week, depending on the breed, age, and season.
What do chickens eat?
They thrive on layer feed, plus treats like kitchen scraps, garden greens, and bugs. Always provide fresh water and grit (for digestion).
Do chickens smell?
Only if their coop isn’t cleaned regularly. With good airflow and weekly tidying, they’re surprisingly tidy!
How much space do they need?
Each hen needs about 4 square feet inside the coop and 10+ square feet in the run.
Are chickens noisy?
Hens are relatively quiet—although they do communicate with over 30 distinct vocalizations, including alarm calls, nesting sounds, and the “hey, I laid an egg!” brags but they are not loud. Roosters, though? They crow loudly. A lot.
Do I need a permit or approval?
Chickens are legal in Oakland, including Upper Rockridge; however, roosters are not allowed.
What do I need to get started?
At minimum:
A secure coop with nesting boxes
A run or fenced yard for roaming
Food and water setup
Bedding like straw or pine shavings