From Suburban Dreams to Backyard Homestead: My Chicken Journey

I remember vividly being 26, living on a sprawling 4-acre lot in New Jersey, and feeling a burning frustration: I couldn't have chickens. This desire, suppressed for years, finally bubbled to the surface. When we decided to move, my priorities were simple: good schools for the kids, and... chickens.
Unfortunately, our first move didn't deliver on either front. We found ourselves in another HOA, good schools, but still no chickens.

The Turning Point: 2020 and the Wake-Up Call
Then, 2020 hit. The empty grocery store shelves, the palpable sense of "every man for himself," it was a stark wake-up call. I felt a wave of foolishness. How could I have been so complacent, so reliant on the fragile infrastructure of modern life? Why hadn't I paid more attention to my grandfather's gardening wisdom? I knew next to nothing about growing food.

Returning from a particularly unsettling grocery run, I looked at my three children and the question echoed in my mind: "If this continues, how will I provide for them?" That was my moment of clarity. I wasn't going to stand idly by. I was going to learn to be self-sufficient.

Digging In: The First Garden
We had a half-acre backyard. We tilled a 50'x30' plot, brought in topsoil and compost, and planted our first garden. The thrill of growing our own food was immense, but something was still missing.

The Long-Awaited Arrival: Chickens with a Purpose
The desire for chickens, a longing I'd carried for years, resurfaced with a new urgency. This wasn't just about a whimsical hobby anymore; it was about taking control of our food supply. We decided on five pullets (young female chicks).

We built a brooder box, a warm haven for the chicks, and started constructing a lean-to coop attached to our shed. Our backyard bordered a farm, and I secretly hoped the neighbors would attribute any chicken noises to the farm.

The Neighborhood Reveal: A Moment of Truth
Everything was going smoothly until I received a text from my neighbor: "Hey!! What are y'all building back there?" Crap. I hate lying. We had discussed moving to a more rural area to have chickens, but the housing market was insane, and we loved our home. Smuggling chickens seemed like the only option. I looked at my husband, Allen, and declared, "I don't care what anyone says, if the chickens go, I go." It was a joke, but I was dead serious.

Seeing the abundance of food we could produce on such a small scale solidified our resolve. We knew we were capable of so much more.

The Gateway to Homesteading: Chicken Math and Beyond
Friends, chickens are the gateway to homesteading and/or farming. And let me tell you, chicken math is a real thing! We get asked all the time, "How many chickens do you have?" My answer is always, "I don't know, but we have a lot, and the number keeps growing." 1+1=2, 2+2=9—the numbers don't add up, but the joy and fulfillment do.

What's Next?

• Growing your own: Consider starting a small garden, even in containers.
• Researching local ordinances: Check your local regulations regarding chickens and other livestock.
• Connecting with your community: Find local homesteading or gardening groups for support and advice.
• Enjoying the journey: Embracing self-sufficiency is a continuous learning process.

This is my journey, and I hope it inspires you to take steps towards a more self-sufficient and fulfilling life.