The Growing Popularity of Backyard Chickens in America

The first step was buying a box of pricey organic eggs and a strange feeling I couldn’t put into words. Seeing the shelves at my local store get clear again made me stop for a moment. Why did eggs feel like a luxury lately?

Similar to others, I wanted to feel a little more in control. Something tangible, grounding. That’s when the idea of backyard chickens began to grow in my mind, even though I had zero experience and a tiny suburban yard.

If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard or just wanted to feel a little closer to nature without giving up your morning latte, you’re not alone. I’ll explain what happened when I added chickens to my home, why so many women are making the same choice and whether it could be right for you.

The Cultural Shift Behind Backyard Chickens

Here’s what I started noticing everywhere

TikTok has become a place to see gardens and Pinterest has perfect coops for backyard chickens. It’s not just a rural thing anymore. Many people in cities and suburbs are rediscovering their food and chickens are frequently the first animals they decide to keep.

This trend isn’t random. It reflects a bigger shift in values:

• More control over what we eat
• A desire to live more sustainably
• The need for routines that soothe and ground us

Backyard chickens are everything we want in a pet—and they look adorable as they do it.

What surprised me most

Honestly? I didn’t expect it to feel this calming. Seeing my hens scratch the ground on a calm afternoon was the most peaceful thing for me each day. And that surprised me more than the eggs.

Takeaway: Chickens offer more than food. They give us beats, presence and meaning in small and lovely ways.

The Real Benefits (and Realities) of Backyard Chickens

What you gain

• I get fresh eggs all the time and the yolks are almost bright orange.
• Natural fertilizer from their droppings
• Pest control—they snack on bugs and weeds
• A sense of calm that sneaks into your routine

There’s a comfort in knowing that I feed my pets at the same time every day.

But here’s the honest part

They’re not for everyone.

• Chickens are messy. You’ll need to clean the coop.
• They make noise (even the quiet ones have their moments).
• They’re fragile in extreme weather or against predators.

Still, for me, the joy far outweighs the work.

My advice: If you’re unsure, visit someone who has chickens. It’s different from watching videos.

3 Steps That Helped Me Get Started Without Overwhelm

Having chickens seemed like a lot—until I figured out it was just three easy things to do. Here’s what worked:

1. Checked Local Laws and Zoning

Not every neighborhood allows backyard poultry. Some only ban roosters. I looked up my local ordinances, called city hall, and got a clear “yes” before I bought anything.

2. Chose a Beginner-Friendly Breed

At first, I chose Buff Orpingtons and Plymouth Rocks, as they are mild, friendly and good producers. No surprises.

3. Built a Simple Coop

I made sure Pinterest helped me, by choosing wood that was strong and easy to keep clean and well-ventilated. I made sure to include a secure run with wire dug into the ground (digging predators are real).

Tip: Start small. You can always upgrade later.

 What to Know Before You Choose Your Hens

Here’s what I wish I’d known:

• Start with 3–5 hens, not more
• The number of birds you keep should be matched by at least 3 sq ft of space indoors and 8 sq ft or more of space outdoors.
• Some breeds handle cold or heat better than others
• Chickens need a dust bath area—I learned this too late!
• Be sure to plan your run so you are safe from hawks and raccoons.

Things that helped:

• A solar coop door (life saver on busy mornings)
• Deep-litter method for easier cleaning
• Scraps from the kitchen—they LOVE melon rinds and oatmeal

The truth is, they’re not pets, but they end up being part of your life.

Comparing Store-Bought Eggs vs. Backyard Eggs

Here’s what I found once I cracked both side-by-side:

My takeaway: It wasn’t just the flavor. It was knowing where it came from.

What the Chicken Year Looks Like (From My Journal)

Every season brings its own rhythm. Here’s how I started to feel it, month by month:

Spring

The garden and the chickens wake up together. More eggs, more energy. I clean the coop well and add fresh herbs such as mint, to the bedding.

Summer

Egg production peaks. I put shade cloth over their area, keep their water fresh and let them make cool holes in the ground. They thrive in the early mornings.

Fall

Molting begins. Feathers everywhere. Fewer eggs, but they need more protein. I feed mealworms to my chickens and keep the coop warm.

Winter

Eggs slow down. I have clear plastic on a section of the run to keep the wind and frost away. They snuggle on the roosting bar. I bring them warm oats sometimes.

You shouldn’t use heat lamps unless the temperature drops significantly.

What I Would and Wouldn’t Do Again

Looking back, here are a few personal lessons:

Would Do Again:

• Use a predator-proof latch from the start
• Set up a kitchen scrap bin for treats
• Add flowers around the coop for joy

Wouldn’t Do Again:

• Skip the dust bath area (mites taught me that!)
• Overdecorate the coop before testing functionality
• Add a rooster “just to try it”

Your space doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to work.

Final Thoughts: Are Backyard Chickens Right for You?

If you’re craving something slower, simpler, and real—maybe they are.

Not because it’s trendy. Yet, it’s rooted in something you can hold, listen to each day and enjoy with your morning meal.

You don’t have to go full homestead. Start small. Stay curious. Listen to the rhythm of your yard.

Would you ever raise chickens?

If you’re hoping for your own backyard eggs, pin this!

What’s one thing you started doing that made you feel more stable recently?