Life Lessons from the Coop: What My Chickens Have Taught Me
Several years ago, when I brought home my first baby chicks, I had no idea just how much they would change my life. As a first-time chicken mama, I expected fresh eggs, a little extra compost, and maybe some funny clucking in the background while I sipped my coffee. But what I didn’t expect were the valuable life lessons these feathered friends would teach me and the love that I would have for them.
My flock has become far more than just egg layers. Not only do they bring me an immense amount of joy, but they are also little teachers showing me how to live a good life, one peck at a time. Let me share some of the lessons they have taught me.
1. Slow Down and Be Present
Chickens don’t rush. Their daily routines involve scratching for potato bugs, sunbathing in the dirt, and clucking with their own kind. Watching them reminds me to pause and be present. Whether I’m opening the coop doors in the morning or collecting eggs in the afternoon, I find myself slowing down, tuning in, and breathing a little deeper.
2. Flow with the Seasons
In the winter months, when the hours of light decrease, egg production naturally slows. At first, I worried. But then I realized: it’s okay to rest. Just like my hens, I don’t need to be constantly productive. Cold weather is an invitation to turn inward, restore, and honor the rhythm of nature.
3. Be Curious and Adventurous
My backyard flock loves to explore. They chase squirrels, hop onto my flower beds, and inspect every leaf. Their curiosity reminds me to try new things, wander more, and not fear the unknown. Every day holds adventure if we’re open to it.
4. It’s OK to Be a Loner
Not every hen is a social butterfly. Some prefer space, straying from the flock to forage on their own. As a human who sometimes needs solitude, this was a comforting realization: it’s okay to walk your own path and take plenty of space when you need it.
5. Rest is Sacred
Have you ever seen a chicken dust bathe or lay in the sun? It’s pure joy. They close their eyes, kick up dirt, and soak in the moment. These moments taught me that rest isn’t lazy. It’s one of the best ways to recharge.
6. Nourishment is Everything
I learned the hard way that nutrition impacts not just egg quality, but the entire health of my hens. When a few of my hens ended up with health issues, it taught me to be mindful of what they eat. And it also reminded me to take better care of my own body, too.
7. Speak Up for What You Want
When my girls want snacks or to free range, they get loud. They taught me not to be afraid to ask for what I need, whether that’s help, space, or more time in the sun.
8. Stand Up to Bullies
The pecking order is real, and while it can seem harsh, it also shows how important it is to hold your ground. When introducing new chickens, some scuffles are inevitable. But over time, balance returns. It taught me not to shrink back when faced with confrontation.
9. Forgive and Keep Going
One hot summer day, I discovered their waterer had tipped over, and they were without water for several hours. I felt terrible. But the next day, they greeted me with happy clucks and no grudges. That kind of forgiveness is humbling.
10. Celebrate Your Wins
Nothing is quite like the egg song. That triumphant announcement after laying a fresh egg reminds me to be proud of my accomplishments, big or small. We should all sing our own egg songs more often.
11. Life is Short. Live it Fully.
Chickens don’t waste time worrying. They live with purpose, chasing bugs, flapping wings, and dust bathing like it’s the last sunny day of the season. They don’t dwell on bad things; they just keep going. That’s a good thing.
12. Love is Everything
I didn’t expect to fall in love with my hens, but I have. These chickens have become new friends, confidants, and part of my daily joy. They remind me to lead with love in everything I do.
Below is a picture of me and one of my young baby chicks. When I open the brooder, she always jumps onto my shoulder. It melts my heart every time.
Raising chickens has been one of the best ways I’ve reconnected with nature, simplicity, and myself. For anyone considering the chicken breed journey, just know: your hen house might become your healing house. Your chicken coop could be a classroom. And those squawking mama hens might become the greatest teachers you never knew you needed.
To all the chicken owners out there: keep doing the good work. You’re living a good life.
What has your flock taught you? Let me know in the comments!
Related Posts:
Gentle Seasonal Living: Aligning with Nature
Understanding the Pecking Order
10 Benefits of Engaging in Slow Living
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