As the egg shortage continues to make headlines and store shelves remain empty, more people are considering raising backyard chickens. It’s an appealing idea—fresh eggs, a deeper connection to nature, and a sense of self-sufficiency.
Recently, I revisited the idea of getting chickens. With an old coop already on our property and plenty of space available, it seemed like an obvious next step. However, after weighing the pros and cons, we’ve decided against it for now.
Here’s why backyard chickens still aren’t the right fit for us, despite the current egg shortage.
Too Many Chickens in Our Area
One of the first things we noticed is the abundance of chickens in our neighbourhood. It feels like almost every household around us has their own flock. While this is a testament to the popularity of backyard chickens, it also creates a unique challenge: what do you do with surplus eggs?
Chickens are prolific layers, often producing more eggs than a small household can consume. For the two of us, the idea of setting up and keeping chickens, the cost involved, and ending up with more eggs than we can eat doesn’t make sense at this stage. Selling eggs isn’t an option due to local regulations, and with so many neighbours already keeping chickens, giving away extras might not be practical either.
Travel and Responsibility
Another major reason we’re steering clear of chickens is our desire to travel more. Owning backyard chickens ties you to a daily routine of feeding, watering, cleaning, and collecting eggs. While some people find this routine grounding, and I am sure it is one I would grow to love, it can become a burden when you’re away for weeks at a time.
Unlike our cats, Zoom and Blue, chickens require specialized care. You can’t just ask a friend to pop in once a day (which in itself is already a BIG ask) —they need someone who understands their needs and can handle potential emergencies. Unfortunately, we don’t currently have a community we can rely on to step in while we’re away. Without this support system, taking on chickens feels more like a stressor than a joy.
Check out our video on our trip to Darwin. We have been on quite a few trips since moving to our property and we hope to extend that this coming year!
Maintaining Balance
When we moved onto our property, our goal was to create a peaceful, balanced lifestyle. We wanted to build a space we didn’t feel the need to escape from, focusing on manageable projects that bring joy—not overwhelm.
Right now, we’re transforming our bare land one garden bed at a time. This already takes up much of our free time. Adding chickens would mean another layer of responsibility, which feels overwhelming given our current commitments.
Caring for a flock is a team effort, and in our case, Sven isn’t fully on board. The constant crowing of neighbouring roosters has put him off, and I can’t blame him. Without shared enthusiasm, chicken-keeping could quickly feel like a chore rather than a pleasure.
A Shifting Diet
Our evolving relationship with eggs is another factor in our decision. While Sven enjoys eggs daily as a quick breakfast option, I rarely eat them. I’ve also cut back on baking, so eggs are no longer a staple in our kitchen.
A small flock of hens would likely produce far more eggs than we could consume. It doesn’t make sense to introduce chickens into our lives if their output doesn’t align with our needs.
The State of the Coop
We already have an old chicken coop on our property, but it’s not exactly in useable condition. It was in disarray when we moved onto the property and has been further damaged during a flood and has since been sitting unused. Initially, we planned to fix it up for chickens, but now we’ve decided to take it down entirely.
Watch:
Removing the coop will free up space and provide materials we can repurpose for other projects. While we don’t necessarily need the extra room, the idea of simplifying our property is appealing. Stay tuned for the removal! However, we may need to address the potential snake habitat the coop has created first!
Considering Ducks Instead
Interestingly, I’ve been thinking about ducks. They’re quirky creatures, and their eggs are fantastic for cooking and baking. But ducks come with many of the same challenges as chickens, particularly when it comes to traveling.
Learn More: Curious about duck breeds? Check out this guide on Cayuga ducks!
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, our decision to skip backyard chickens boils down to priorities. We started this lifestyle to embrace simplicity and joy, not to add stress or obligations. While the idea of fresh eggs and feathered companions is appealing in theory, it doesn’t align with our current goals.
For those who are considering getting chickens, it’s worth asking yourself some important questions:
- Do you have the time and energy to care for them daily?
- How will you manage their care while traveling?
- Can you legally sell or share the eggs?
- Is everyone in your household equally enthusiastic about the idea?
By answering these questions honestly, you can determine whether chickens are the right fit for your lifestyle.
Looking Ahead
While chickens aren’t in our immediate future, we’re excited about other projects and possibilities. Taking down the old coop will mark the end of one chapter and the start of another. We’re also looking forward to repurposing its materials creatively.
Who knows—maybe someday we’ll revisit the idea of keeping poultry. Ducks, perhaps? For now, we’re focused on enjoying the open space, planning future travels, and cultivating a lifestyle that truly brings us peace and fulfillment.
What are your thoughts on backyard chickens? Let us know in the comments below!
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