5 Reasons to Keep Chickens

Here are my five top reasons to keep chickens! Keeping chickens is easy but here are some more good reasons why you should keep these wonderful birds.
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)

[@South_Texas_Fail]

My grand mother keep chickens for decades. At one point they (my grandparents) had a mouse problem in the barn of their ranch. That was until my grandmother started keeping her Chickens in the old barn. They ate the mice, but not only that they actively hunted the barn for them. It was kind of like watching Jurassic Park, but with 4 to 6 pound birds.

[@wendyrowland7787]

Had the same experience, surprising how athletic a hen in possession of a rodent can be trying to hang onto her prize, but I wonder, does that infect the birds with salmonella?

[@ifthetrucksstoprolling9045]

chickens are dino!!!!!!! oh yeah!!!!!!!!! they will eat anything.

[@markhodges2556]

Never thought a chicken would hunt down a kill a mouse until I saw it with my own eyes, funning to watch too.

[@Selfsufficientme]

See! I did say chickens are similar to cats lol... Cheers :)

[@chromosomegun5845]

@@wendyrowland7787 probably not the healthy hens that are free to roam but the hens that are cooped up and sickly

[@Tangerine-rj5tr]

Here in the U.S.A a 1918 government flyer recommended 2 hens per family member and a large garden. It said every household should do this. How times have changed.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Oh wow... The good old days :)

[@mewendy1]

That was because of WW2... another good reason to keep a few hens, you never know when you'll really need to .

[@tiffanybecker1591]

Most places here dont even allow you to have a garden in the front yard or to keep two hens. It’s crazy!

[@mewendy1]

@@tiffanybecker1591 if we have another war like WW2, that will change very quickly... That's why they had flyers like that & promoted "victory gardens".

[@tiffanybecker1591]

mewendy1 I agree!! I have hens, quail and rabbits and only my rabbits are legal. All of my neighbors love my animals and wave and smile when I’m outside. It’s just the city officials here who have a problem with it. My yard is very clean and pretty and my animals are in very large enclosures and well cared for. They are all friends with my german shepherd and life is good. I pray I can keep things hidden until we move to our farm in a year or so!! Best of luck to you and your chicken endeavors :)

[@kori_88]

I don’t have a dad, brother or uncles... I love watching this guys videos because he’s so genuine, kind and informative. Thanks for filling in some of that gap for me 💖

[@doha057]

I don't know how old are you, get a guy with a farm or ranch, have a bunch of kids, give them a fantastic fulfilling self sufficient life, far away from the woke bs that is ruining everything around these days.

[@user-fb1vm4uo1u]

@@doha057 based

[@ironclay3939]

Well if you'd had chickens and eggs you wouldn't have had to eat your dad, his brother and your brother - so I'm glad you've sorted the problem out - please don't eat me I'm joking with you.

[@alizaday]

Aaaaaw sweetheart, I totally understand that

[@igitahimsa5871]

@K B I understand, honey. Wish I had known someone like this guy while I was growing up too. Well better late than never.. God Bless us all

[@katl2735]

Being new to having chickens, I never thought they would be such a great company. Dora and Dot are only 7 weeks old so they love a cuddle especially before bed at 7pm, you could set a clock to it. When pulling up weeds or working in the garden they are great little helpers Protecting me by eating the spiders and insects even mozzies as I go through. Gardening is much more enjoyable with these girls around.

[@lucasgrowsbestyt]

Mark not sure if anyone's ever told you this but I'm going to say it now: you deserve WAY more subscribers.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Lucas that's very nice of you to say mate! Cheers :)

[@rdm0108]

Hell yes. Just subbed and I dont even farm or grow anything! I'd like to tho.....

[@CaponeCabin]

I've heard when they allowed to eat insects...which is normal... that the meat tastes awful

[@nickj2019]

Fax

[@forlove5309]

Mark needs more subscribers, and I need more land 🤣

[@mic7735]

We just got chickens in August for the first time when we bought our homestead. I deal with a chronic illness with a lot of joint pain and some days it's hard to get up. But my chickies give me a reason to get up, be motivated, and move since I have to go tend to them a couple times a day. I think having a reason to get outside and walk more is helping keep my pain level under control and getting me more fresh air. And I love spending time with them, watching them, interacting with them, and giving them our food scraps.

[@Selfsufficientme]

What a great story! Thanks for sharing :)

[@h.s.6269]

Comments like this is what gives me hope. I'm probably about 3 yrs out from raising any livestock (I have to move, city doesn't allow). I fight chronic medical problems, mainly fibromyalgia, but I have a deep desire to do what I can to raise livestock and a strong garden. I worry about my limitations but I can definitely see how having responsibilities can be a positive motivator to push through.

[@misakistalker3058]

quit the gluten, it helped me a lot bc I've got arthritis too

[@AM-dc5yz]

@@misakistalker3058 I agree! I have arthritis from calcium issues (which were almost misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia but was actually HyperPARAthyroidism, not the same as thyroid issues) Anyways, gluten and sugar make my pain so much worse. Focus on things that are anti-inflammatory like turmeric, moringa, etc. It makes such a big difference.

[@jeffreycurtis9075]

Bless you Michelle.

[@kr4awkr4aw5]

Love your videos. I keep chickens also I have 15 of them. One problem I have is my county does not allow me to have chickens, before I got my chickens I asked my neighbors and they were all for it. They now come by with empty egg cartoons wanting eggs. With 15 chickens we have plenty of eggs and we just give them away for free buy a lot of neighbors insist on paying or buying food for the chickens. You can add another reason to your list. It sure has made our neighborhood a lot friendlier and now we get together to make it a better and safer neighborhood.

[@chip63us]

Chickens have made my life happier for sure, they make me laugh, always

[@StillSwirling]

Our chickens are a never ending source of entertainment! When you spend a lot of time with them you can see their individual personalities come out. Such fun! We have 5 now but want to get about 10 more this spring. It's just my husband and I but we love sharing our eggs with family and friends.

[@Selfsufficientme]

All the best with your new chicken recruits! Yes, our eggs are a big favourite for friends and family also :)

[@elefnti]

totally agree! I have one little chick that I adore. I cuddle her/him? and rub it's little belly and s/he purrs at me (I think) :D

[@adryenz]

This is the best channel on youtube

[@billionbarze427]

One of the best, no doubt!

[@Palalune]

Certainly right there among the best :-)

[@rawtrout3402]

why is that

[@nickj2019]

Fax

[@haruto2055]

Mabey the best gardening Channel

[@AhmedAdly11]

I had chickens when I lived on a farm in Croatia. They were lovely and I remember some of their characters. My brother and I would go out in winter and dig for greens under the snow. They would have a party and then all lay eggs the next morning. Amazing memories.

[@roxyc5345]

That sounds special, what a blessing!

[@esztercathcart4273]

They’re great for my mental health. When I get a little stressed I go out to my girls and just hang out with them and bird watch and I feel instantly more relaxed. Love my girls

[@jeffreycurtis9075]

So true.

[@alpinealpine2793]

Pets with benefits.

[@jessiecatmeow419]

The pet that poops breakfast

[@thenickfoxx]

@@jessiecatmeow419 and fertilizer haha

[@JR-of5hp]

@@jessiecatmeow419 lol. How many people don’t realize that there isn’t a separate poop hole and a pristine hole that the eggs come out!

[@NarrowPathDiaries]

@@JR-of5hp You’re right, it’s called the cloaca

[@moyaatje8762]

@@thenickfoxx have you ever seen a cloaca? They are (if the choocks are healthy) beautiful pink and clean... Love chicken buts well chickens in general... They are so incredible

[@tribalbabymum]

Hiya! Something we've always done for our chooks is the deep litter method, we have deep mulch in their area so that there's no possible smell, and they dig, and dig, and dig. Bugs and critters live in the mulch and the chooks dig for them forever. Mulch, lawn clippings, added straw, old veggies, bark, fallen leaves, everything goes in. Looks a bit weird with all the eucalypt bark, but it hides so many bugs, and the chooks are happy scratching through it.

[@danielcoatesmusic]

that's awesome

[@moyaatje8762]

Another reason or two provided you have a bond with them: - Prozac with feathers, they can sense if you are distressed or sad and will try and comfort you since you are part of the flock - They can teach you communicating skills, chickens know what they want and are not shy about letting you know, they start subtle but will literally scream their heads off when demanding cuddles I have a blue and a black orpington and both are incredibly demanding cuddlebugs, they are truly my reason for more smiles then I had before

[@RussJAlan]

than

[@moyaatje8762]

@@RussJAlan doesn't matter I have 2 chooks more now, and english isn't even my second language it's my third 😘

[@louieBlaster]

The Steve Erwin of Self Sufficient Living, there I said it. I subscribed.

[@JohnCran]

I just used the same description to my wife.

[@BB-sg8ik]

@@JohnCran Mee too

[@jeffreycurtis9075]

Cause we have!!!

[@hevvab8151]

Another reason - teach your kids where food comes from :)

[@FirstDagger]

And evolution, they are little dinosaurs after-all.

[@tribalbabymum]

Very important, and how to care for them, respect them and the cycle of life and death when they die. Ours are pets, so we keep them after they stop laying as mobile fertiliser units!

[@captainrobots1]

@@FirstDagger hummingbirds are considered dinosaurs but not a pterodactyl. I heard this from the Smithsonian aa couple years ago.

[@FirstDagger]

@@captainrobots1 ; Yes, all birds are dinosaurs, avian dinosaurs. And pterosaurs have been found to posses a fur covering. Also look up Yutyrannus, a tyrannosaur covered in proto-feathers.

[@johngaspar4425]

or food poison anyway.

[@lolaabbis9875]

You are such a blessing to humanity. I am learning a lot from you. God bless you real good. You have no idea how much happiness I derive from watching your videos.

[@qazyman]

"God bless you real good". I've never heard anyone say that. An amazing sentence. I hope you don't mind if I use it.

[@busisalox9308]

@@qazyman God bless you too

[@advancekashmir9846]

True, Mankind needs more blokes like him!

[@jynxjay5621]

I know this is a 2 year old video but I have just recently stumbled onto your vlogs, and although I haven't read all the comments, I have 2 reasons that I haven't seen. 1 - The main reason I got them was to help control my blood pressure naturally. There's nothing better than relaxing with my feathered friends. I raised mine to be pets, so they jump on and off my lap and talk with me constantly. They love to help me dig in the garden and that encourages me to get out and do more there. 2 - They are good at sounding the alarm whenever something is wrong. I know when there is a strange cat in the yard or if I got a delivery, because the girls let me know. Most of your reasons were also on my list to get backyard chickens. I had a terrible snail problem, and couldn't keep up with the weeding on pathways, and my mother looks forward to my fresh eggs, because she doesn't like any from the stores. I don't even like eggs, but I love my chickens.

[@brittm-m2403]

Could this man BE any more sweet and adorable?! I think not. What a joy to listen to his wisdom and kind heart.

[@TheWareek]

yes the Australian male is a marsupial, he carefully collects the egg laid by the female and places them in a pouch to there front, they are kept there until needed or hatch, whichever comes first. Love the show.

[@jeeves6490]

A monotreme sir, a monotreme.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Hahaha... I read your comment in David Attenborough's voice - funny :)

[@TheWareek]

I stand corrected.

[@arescue]

One time, I was at the library to return some books. The parking lot is next to a chicken coop. And who should come around the side of my car, and hop into the passenger side? A 4 foot tall rooster. He was so handsome and friendly, he must have been someone’s pet. I very gently told him that he had to stay at home and he hopped out of the car.

[@Selfsufficientme]

He must have liked you! Nice story, cheers :)

[@farmvetsph]

4ft tall, wow.

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

are you sure it wasn't a midget in a chicken suit?

[@ducktapepilot]

I love chickens! There's something very peaceful about just setting and watching your chickens doing their thing.

[@frankramirez2009]

My wife and I want to raise chickens when we retire. You convinced me free range is the way to go. Thank you. God bless!

[@ibastet38]

With respect I would like to say...... You don´t need to wait until you retire, if you and your wife want it the time is now....

[@a.b.9170]

I've been watching your videos for over a year and a half now and I don't even own land on which to farm. I just love learning about sustainable growing methods, exotic plants, and the ecological tips. Your channel is one of my absolute favorites, keep the brilliant content coming!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you! We dreamt for years about one day getting a small acreage to do what we do now... In that time, I read lots of books on gardening and keeping poultry (KZbin wasn't a thing back then) so that when we finally got the chance to buy our property I already had some knowledge at least, to begin with. Perhaps one day you will follow a similar path but if you do or don't I'm grateful you're supporting my channel. Cheers :)

[@Cleeon]

@@Selfsufficientme hmm.. ok, I follow your advice, Sir

[@jeffreycurtis9075]

One day A.B. you got the 🐛

[@shabazan]

#6) The attract predators. OK, that sound counter intuitive, but the girls in our run are well protected. And the foxes and hawks that stop by for a chicken dinner can’t get to them. But their visits do keep the rodents (a major vector of Lyme disease) in check.

[@farmwife7944]

steven hahn poultry eat ticks so that addresses the lyme disease issue. We have 2 big donkeys and they keep the coyotes and foxes away (as well as the herds of deer who are too timid to approach).Those 2 stand and stare if a predator or poacher is sighted and get ready to stomp them down by instinct but so far only one coyote has tested that and has never returned after getting nailed by a stomping mammoth jack stock jennet who enjoyed the match. The poacher left quickly after the braying with standing in full guard position started before I had to handle it myself.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Predators are a challenge alright and yes the snakes around here keep our rodents in check also - I just have to keep the big snakes away from the hens at night that's all. Cheers :)

[@adomalyon1]

@@Selfsufficientme Do you get pythons where you are? Its probably worth mentioning that if you are attracting large predators to your property then small dogs and cats need to be locked in at night (people should do this anyway).

[@trollmcclure1884]

We need to let them live free again to eat all the ticks. Seriously, something is missing in the nature and it may be them. Them and maybe more wildfires.

[@tribalbabymum]

It's always funny to me how people say they attract pests like mice. Umm, no, they're always there, and the chickens EAT THEM!

[@vurimalla]

You are lucky person on the mother Earth. and she loves you and bless you. -Sathish from India.

[@advancekashmir9846]

Sathish from India, do you've chickens?

[@octapusxft]

number 6, they are so damn cute. Whenever I meet a roaming chicken that went out of its owners property to forage, I cannot help but smile. The way they move is adorable

[@carolavant3778]

I think you nailed it! I live in Central Florida in the US in a suburban home and have 4 beautiful hens. I let them free-range the back yard, and when the garden goes fallow at the end of July, they get to "clean up" the garden area until I start planting again at the end of September. We can't have roosters here, but the hens are a blessing. I raised them from peeps, and even though they're 3 years old now, they lay over a dozen eggs each week. I also can't begin to tell you just how entertaining they are! Whenever I go outside to the back yard, they come running! Even when I don't have "treats" for them, they always stay and visit a while. I'm also greeted throughout the day by one or more of my girls on sitting on my kitchen or dining room window ledge. If you want some hilarious entertainment, just toss a handful of leftover spaghetti and watch the fun!

[@mamasdooman]

Same here in NW Georgia. I have a small flock in my backyard and they have the yard as a buffet. I just yesterday let the girls in my raised beds to get the leftovers from the garden out. In 1 day they did a super job. We live out in the "country" but are surrounded by "thankfully" pleasant neighbors who don't mind if they wander in their yards and eat bugs. Neither my neighbors or I put chemicals on our yards and so I know they aren't getting pesticides or bad stuff. I always share extra eggs with my neighbors and friends who gush over how much better they taste.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Sounds like chicken heaven in your backyard Carol! Good on ya :)

[@nicholasnapier2684]

I to live near Orlando I live in Tavares and I have close to 40 chickens I have Ducks I have geese 4 guineas they all lay eggs you're very amusing I have roosters so that's not really good for you to have them where you live at I'm sure...... but it's nice to see someone else comment on here that's near Central Florida....

[@Caz1242]

Do they think the spaghetti are worms? Or they just like spaghetti?

[@carolavant3778]

@@Caz1242 They love pasta - Doesn't matter what shape it is. They also like fig bars - I save those for special treats.

[@CrystalandBern]

Reasons to keep chickens. ..chicken therapy! If someone is in a down or foul mood we send them to the coop for chicken therapy. It raises spirits to hang out with them.

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL "chicken therapy" I love it! So that's why I find myself visiting the coop several times a day... Cheers :)

[@brooket2690]

Fowl mood? ;)

[@tipsyflowerpot5188]

Foul mood!! 😊🐓🐔🐣🐤

[@tracischeelk29]

@@brooket2690 HA!! HA!!! You must be witty all the time. That was good.

[@velvanae]

This has got to be the coolest thing I have ever heard! Maybe I can convince my wife I need therapy chickens.

[@coolwant]

The way you deliver your words its amazing and politeness in your voice is truly addictive

[@redlily8101]

My dad would come home after a long day in town and stop by to just watch the chickens for a bit. Said it relaxed him... stress therapy

[@ldybgd]

a friend of mine takes her bantams to nursing homes to interact with the patients. They love the girls. My girls don't do anything more than make me. breakfast and jump on my lap for cuddles. To me they're calming, lovable little fluffies that keep me amused.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Fantastic! I love to hear those types of stories :)

[@fanniannifig2779]

I did the same in the 90s, it was an adult daycare in chinatown Oakland, CA. A lady held a black cochin on her lap and said her husband was a poultry farmer for years but this was the first time she held one, and a black one meant luck in china. When my hens had chicks I brought them all and set up a corral in the rec room, they would pull their chairs up around the fence and watch the show. It made them so happy.

[@graemefrost5861]

Bantams, brilliant birds.

[@FullStarSky]

Egg, green waste for chicken, manue for garden, pest controller and tiller, pet and companion

[@richardcohen2122]

My t houghts about free run chickens. I was going to make a 60 foot chicken run for use in daylight hours. It has 2x4 base and 2 foot high wire mesh dome attached to the 2x4s on each side. The floor is the dirt ground. It would be easy to move, running through and around the garden. In this way it keeps them from garden produce, allows them access to bugs, and fertilizes the area

[@neorich59]

One of the few organic foods I can afford to buy weekly are eggs and milk and occasionally, when funds allow, cheese. A mate of mine, a farmer, used to give me eggs, every now and then and the taste was phenomenally different, even from the shop bought organic ones! That's how *real* food should taste! 😉😉

[@mewendy1]

I have 3 hens, one is over 5 years old. She's survived 2 hawk attacks that left her with a droopy eye & wing. She doesn't really lay anymore except for an odd one or two, always in the middle of winter when the other 2 have gone off lay. She's still great to have around, she weeds & eats bugs ( can't remember the last time I've seen a grasshopper in the yard) & her droppings are great for the compost pile. I don't butcher the hens when they stop laying, so she'll be around for as long as she can manage. When the other 2 slow down laying in the winter & I have to buy eggs, my husband asks me to keep the few eggs we get from the girls for his a.m. Hard boiled eggs, he really can taste the difference.

[@jcdines8864]

How do your hens die? Do you have to take them to a vet like you do with a cat or dog...to be put to sleep...when they are near death? I'd love to raise chickens, but I could never kill them. Also, after a chicken dies on its own, can you use it for food? Not for me, but for cat/dog feed?

[@AJR-zg2py]

@@jcdines8864 If a chicken dies on its own, bury the carcass and use it as garden fertilizer. I know folks who've gotten better production when burying a deceased animal (death of aging stock, roadkill, etc) and growing a crop over it. I'd be the same for killing one that is no longer a productive layer... not sure if I could do it lol. They'd be great for pest control and companionship. For a smaller homestead, keeping a few older chickens is fine. But if you have dozens of them (and many mouths to feed), it's better to butcher them for meat - unproductive egg-layers become expensive since you're using up resources to care for them but they produce no yield.

[@jcdines8864]

@@AJR-zg2py thanks.... Kinda like planting all these non fruit/food producing plants in your garden.... Roses, ground ivy, trees of all sorts.... Lots of water expense and time pruning and looking after... with nothing in return.... I've often thought, if our lucifarian leaders would plant 'giving' trees in the place of all the trees they line our streets with (and then charge us for their upkeep ) We no longer would have to depend on them for food /survival when a crisis hit...... But then again, they wouldn't be lucifarian, if that was the case....

[@nermalsturf]

There's a number of ways to keep/store fresh (unwashed) eggs over the winter so you're less likely to need some store-bought eggs. They can be kept in a cool, dark room (temp under 50 degrees w/humidity ~75%) for 6-8 weeks. They can be frozen (though they're best used in baking where texture changes aren't noticeable). If lightly coated w/mineral oil, they can last ~6 months in cool, dark place. If you use butter or lard instead of mineral oil, they'll last ~6 months. My preferred method is completely submersing fresh eggs & storing them in a "slack lime in water mixture" (1/2 pound of lime in 2.5 gallons of water, in container that has a lid w/a good seal), some have found this works upwards of 18 months!! Personally I prefer to use them w/in 9 months (12 at most). Look up the "Utah State University Circular No. 25 - Preserving Eggs for the Home" pamphlet (from 1917) for lots more info.

[@wendyeames5758]

@@nermalsturf we never have enough eggs to store, since we're down to just 2 laying hens. 😕 I haven't added to our flock because I thought we'd be traveling a lot this year. Boy, was I wrong!!

[@williamzimmerle2004]

I love the electric fence. It deters without killing. I have 6 Buff Orpingtons myself and a surplus of eggs.

[@aviadd843]

Man, I LOVE these videos... They make me realize I don't want to live in the city anymore, I want to learn how to DO stuff.

[@beebrown4054]

Aviad D ... so do I...

[@SciaticaDrums]

We've been raising them for years now. we currently have five hens and a rooster (the nicest rooster we've ever had, he doesn't attack me). I will tell you one thing, during this coronavirus crap having chickens has been invaluable! It's very difficult finding eggs in the stores. We however have almost three dozen in the fridge!

[@maranatha1920]

Your approach to chicken care is humane and your knowledge admirable, thank you for sharing.

[@joshuagrahm3607]

Barter is a good reason to keep chickens. Have another source of superior eggs that you can just basically get out on almost daily basis is quite an asset

[@joshuagrahm3607]

That was pretty good for speech to text

[@Selfsufficientme]

@@joshuagrahm3607 Cool... I need that for my articles :)

[@prager5046]

I find a crowing rooster in early morning so comforting and pleasant ...

[@tietjeweaver3325]

ok, so yes I do have another reason for keeping chickens. Entertainment. I will sit on a chair and just watch them interact, it's so much fun and I might say therapeutic too. God Bless you for taking such good care of your hens! I love having chickens.

[@theblankman5036]

I really got to say I enjoy your videos alot you seem really happy and you seem to really care

[@Eugene-ec3uy]

woah there's a lot of chicken predator in your area. the only predator on our home is my neighbor..😂

[@Needandeli]

I hope he keeps his distance from the kids..

[@meganbartlett8453]

Hi Mark. We're in NZ and use chickens to turn over the garden with movable fences and chicken tractors. The chicken is amazing

[@raymondo7796]

I'm in NZ too, what is a Chicken Tractor? And do you have issues with cats having a go at them, or are chickens aggressive enough to hold their own?

[@deevo4907]

We have around 20 chickens, ducks and turkeys in a very large run with about 15 or more fruit trees.The fruit is amazing and the trees grow at a fantastic rate. Best fertilizer ever

[@Sammyli99]

6 chickens came over from my neighbours, 2 years ago, I did a count yesterday I now have 63, fat, insect feeding, free-range chickens. Don't worry we don't farm them and they sleep in the trees...BUT, they are taking over...

[@Sammyli99]

@Heloise O'Byrne no...they are fat enough (really), some of the roosters are the size of large Turkeys, they forage enough insects.

[@Sammyli99]

@Heloise O'Byrne dogs chase them, occasionally 1 gets caught (and saved if I see it, literally from the clutches), on the eggs adventure, we find those everywhere...everywhere, and the dogs like those too. But not to worry, from 6 to well over 100 now, net of migrations, they are doing fine. Just have to keep them from pooping on the terrasse.

[@Sammyli99]

@Heloise O'Byrne quite a big "GARDEN", with about 80 trees (I have to count them actually)...(mostly fruit), 2 acres, so not Urban we are in the country.

[@tstuff]

Look up Fitzgerald, Georgia chickens

[@BrighidsGarden]

We’ve recently got chickens again, they’re such lovely characters.😁

[@00brs]

My family had chickens for as long as I rememmber. I tasted "factory eggs" for the first time in the age of 19 when I moved away to campus. I thought every single egg in the package I bought was out of date or something. Then my room mate made me realize that it is how eggs from supermarket smell and taste. Tip for keeping chickens. Couple years ago my father took over his parents farm and first thing he did was to buy a rooster for the hens to create a pack/flock. From that day hens started to act an look differently (more healthy) and lay more eggs. It's a great way to improve your chicken keeping although having a strong rooster can be challenging.

[@jayme5831]

My family started a small flock this past spring. They have been such a joy for our growing family. We have had record cold winter temperatures in Northern Ontario (Canada) with temps dropping as low as -30 C consistently for 2 months now, and they have been holding strong (still getting eggs too!). We have installed small wall mounted heater blocks near their perches to give them some much needed reprieve. I only just discovered your channel but I would love to know more about using chicken manure in the garden properly.

[@suryaguru3462]

I kept chickens in the Forest... they are the best... Apart from your 5, i found that Chickens are VERY GOOD AT RAISING AN ALARM of dangerous things around, snakes, or dogs, or wild dangers otherwise. on the Negative side... The Cock a Doodle Dooing... Mine sonded off at 12am, 3am, and 5am till 7AM... that was hard... you have to keep them far from where you sleep. I LOVED MY CHICKENS!

[@Selfsufficientme]

They are good little warning systems! We're holding off getting another rooster for now... Cheers :)

[@suryaguru3462]

@@Selfsufficientme facebook.com/feedfunmovie/videos/1950197108528983/

[@falcon4449]

The absolute in gardening. If this man can tear it up in Australia, we can crush it in the south US. Great info mate

[@granitemoss1451]

Watching this in 2022 when eggs are no longer cheap (hard to find in some places, too)! Very thankul for the chickens we started with this spring and hoping to hatch some chicks next year. I too enjoy their anics and company, and also knowing the eggs we eat come from healthy, HAPPY hens living their 'best' lives.

[@user-tm7tw9tu7b]

The joy we get from watching our girls scratch in the yard, talk back to us and the super fun dust baths can not be equaled. When I open my door all 3 of my hens come running to see if I have a treat for them.. Of course, I do! I don't think I could ever buy store eggs again.

[@redahojeij9779]

I wish i lived in a spacious place to raise chickens instead of an apartment in the middle of the city.

[@garrettw3602]

The city will be your death when SHTF. Get out now.

[@falcon4449]

You should get out now. The time is ripe. Get th fuck out.

[@jan-erikandersson9198]

Do it! Get out!

[@unclephil4112]

It's cheaper to not be in the city, so do it.

[@donaldpedigo296]

....You can possibly save some money and buy a small rural piece of land, to use as a Weekend-Get-Away, where you can gradually start to learn about living with dirt and grass, trees and wind, blue skies and birds, beautiful flowers and fascinating insects all-around you....You can still "live" in the city as you do now, but always you'll have the option to get-away and enjoy some of the Marvelous Things Mother-Nature Has to Offer You....

[@charlissaberry2391]

I have chickens and it's the best thing I have ever done for my family we get fresh eggs daily and the benefits go on.

[@emf3391]

I'm looking at all those tall trees behind you and suddenly I'm amazed of the lovely eucalyptus fregrence in the atmosphere of the property. So refreshing to breathe in everyday. It's A healthy energy to start the day.🌱🐤🐥🐣🐓❤🐔

[@mixn7451]

OMG the two chickens in the background scratched the ground at the same time and with the same foot at 5:19 😂😂

[@marker113]

Great info, gotta mention the fat and cholesterol from the eggs too- both essential for nutrition, cheers!

[@jonberch4990]

thank you youtube for suggesting this channel to me. what an inspiration.

[@jontoasland6336]

I used to live in Paddington Brisbane and as a young boy i used to collect the eggs in the morning for my neighbour . Since then ive always wanted chickens and some decades later i fulfilled that wish . They are good for your mental health as well , such characters .

[@simearsov]

My grandparents had about 20 chickens on their farm and whenever I'd visit I'd spend all my time in there. I love chickens, they're such a good animal.

[@farmwife7944]

Feeling the poultry love. Chickens keep you humble. No matter how predator proof we make a coop or run, a chicken will disappear on occasion. When a chicken decides to die, it dies so you learn to back off from finding a cure for death and move on. They have comical behaviors but if a rooster attacks a human he goes to God, asap, and no anguish with that decision either once you have your first nasty painful infection from being impaled by a rooster. Good roosters towards humans are plentiful even though I occasionally have a one on one with them about showing respect to the hens. Having my city grandchildren collect and eat delicious safe eggs is reason alone for keeping them but we also enjoy eating eggs daily and our cholesterol levels are perfect. We get temps as low as -30 f, at night, no wind chill factor as it is irrelevant in those temps. my coop is not heated and the birds do fine, understand I chose winter hearty breeds. I am a retired nurse,teacher, farmer and if we did not keep our chickens and 2 rescue donkeys I would be sorely tempted to stay indoors in bed all winter, but for them I am out there every day at least twice, usually more, and we all benefit. I am too lazy for keeping up with exercise plans for senior citizens but with getting outdoirs, cleaning the barn and coop, carrying 2-3 of the 5 gal pails of hot water out twice/day, (yes, all my animals prefer hot in winter, some of the girls like to soak their cold feet in the shallow pan while they drink; did I mention they are funny?) and moving hay around I get plenty of the natural daily living kind. FWI: Walmart sells cheap snow bibs/pants in their mens department and they pull up nicely right over a warm flannel nightgown and for safely dealing with ice, put YakTrax on your barn boots. Freezing or falling is not good for your health, but daily laughter, exercise, and healthy food is just what the doctors order. Get stuck having to talk to someone you would rather not spend time with? Tell poultry stories, laugh hilariously about the girls soaking their feet, or better yet demonstrate how they waddle side to side when they run, person soon disappears but if they seriously enjoy the stories then realize they have one redeeming character trait. Feeling unloved: call to the poultry when you have a pail of food scraps. It's all good.

[@Selfsufficientme]

I agree it's hard to make any chicken friendly area totally predator proof but all do our best. Cheers :)

[@judya.shroads8245]

Your coop needs a couple of swings to keep them entertained. A old watermelon or pumpkin in coop is good too. Love your video's.

[@lisajoy9588]

I have been keeping chickens for years for all the reasons you said Mark plus they make me laugh! They are wonderful mood lifters! Just watching their antics as they scratch about in the yard cracks me up. I encourage everyone to keep a few chickens.

[@horsebee1]

I can think of two more. They are great for preparing a new garden bed. Put them on the site of a new bed and let them clean the grass and bugs out. Once the soil is tilled then put them back to pick up any bugs and weed seed that tilling turned up. the second reason is just how good it is to be able to give away excess eggs.

[@tobalzz1]

Marc something about you I really appreciate keep being you. I do not even garden lol. But i like your vids.

[@mainammmm]

Greetings from Italy! Love your work

[@averagehuman3161]

Nobody mentioned Jerry the German target from the range on your Chicken coup. Good ole range days.TARGETS UP!

[@Fjsbdjdh]

Chooks are great for kids, they love to feed and interact with them, collect the eggs, and pretty and/or tame chooks can be entered into pet parades or competitions

[@808bAler]

Dude, your channel is amazing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight! Aloha from Hawaii.

[@andyl8055]

I'm in an apartment so unfortunately it's not possible for me to keep them, but gee would I love to. Wonderful birds.

[@bencarey8988]

I'm glad I found this channel 👍🏻

[@JacWarner]

I love your videos. We actually found our first chook in suburban Albury while taking the dog for a walk. After we couldn’t find her owner she became our Gertrude. We used my parents old greenhouse and turned it into their home. We’re now building a bigger run and still using the existing shed my dad built. It’s cost us next to nothing. We let them free range daily and they seem to enjoy hanging out with us- I play them French music while having a glass of wine and a chat with my girls. They love their remodelled chateau and we hope they will thrive in their extended digs. Love chooks. And.... our two cats are great with them- the Kelpie dog not so much.

[@busybumblebee9661]

You do such a great job running this channel, keep up the good work

[@haizle]

😍♥️ thanks for talking about the industry and how these precious feathered friends deserve love And respect

[@eli3553]

Another reason...overcoming fear. About 5 years ago our youngest daughter as 5 years old. She had some friends and their parents over to our farm for the day. Lydia or Liddy as we call her, was showing them the chicken coup and Liddy went in and put her hand under the chook and came up with an egg. She invited the friends to do the same. What was fascinating was that not only were the children scared of the hens but their parents didn’t want to either. They actually said, the parents, they were too scared. That’s understandable as they had grown up in big cities overseas. You are right also, they are intelligent, intelligent enough to know that Liddy wasn’t going to harm them.

[@Aiken47]

Setting up a composting area in your chicken run, your chickens will love it. Putting fresh veggie leaves and lawn cuttings in the compost area attracts the insects chickens love, the chicken love fresh greens too.

[@joansmith3492]

Very nice video. You must script these videos, because you don’t repeat yourself or waste time. I really appreciate that. I’m looking forward to seeing the detailed changes you made in your coop to protect them. I love my chickens too, and I have kept them for 4 or 5 yrs now. But, they are illegal in my city and HOA. So I pay attention to keeping my coop predator proof, smelling good, non rat attracting, and hidden.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Joan! And, yes I do try and write a script for most of my videos (although I often have unscripted spontaneous moments) and yes the reason is to not waste too much time on repeating as most viewers don't enjoy reiteration unless it's really emphasising an important point (something I learned over the years the hard way when viewers would tell me in the comments section to "get to the point" lol). Chickens illegal in your city! Oh wow... well, I'm glad you're a rebel! Cheers :)

[@danielheltberg6202]

Thank you so much for existing. Your channel is a great resource and fun pastime for whenever I go outside. Keep on going!

[@zackthebirb]

My girlfriend's family keeps chickens and quails and whenever I am at her place I usually ask to go into the chicken pen and pet them. Birds are my favourite so I'm always incredibly happy whenever I can pet one. We have already decided, that when we live together and have a garden, we will definitely be keeping chickes!!! We just love them so much!!!

[@scobe2812]

Took your valued advice. We built a coup and we are now the proud owners of 4 rescue chickens, Isa Browns. So glad to rescue these lovely birds but the kids are soooo happy. Plus as a prepper I have finally got my egg supply. Love the video as always. Keep them coming as I am now a subscriber. Thanks mate

[@englishcoach7772]

This is just amazing. You've really got into the science. I live your attitude and beliefs and your execution of these great setups.

[@d.d.mccarthy]

God bless you Mark. You are such an inspiration 😍

[@Fiverfan5]

Since we have had our small flock of 4 -5 hens we have had a lot less snail damage. It's also very charming to watch them going about their chickeny business all around the backyard throughout the day. They are great company when I am gardening and will come when I call to see what I have dug up for them.

[@Urbanforager]

I love having chickens. I have seven. I enjoy watching them and giving them scraps. It’s nice knowing they are fresh.

[@TrueHistoryAustralia]

What a great video, keep up the good work! Used to look after chickens as a kid and they were so much fun but unfortunately had to downsize house. This brings back great memories, and hope to keep some down the track.

[@jendyson6729]

i just found your channel and i'm impressed. New subscriber and fellow chicken keeper here. I agree with your 5 reasons 100%

[@tanyaratti]

To help prevent mites in my chickens, I use Artemesia- Wormwood... I strip the leaves from the stems and spread it around the chook shed and nesting box. I also discover by accident, (left a wormwood plant in its pot at the end of one of the growing beds) an artemesia took root and I left it to see what would happen growing next to my tomatoes. This season is the first time I’ve had no problem with white fly. Normally they ravage my tomatoes and cabbage.

[@AK-ru3sg]

One more reason that worked for us - giving neighbours eggs really helped to stave off any minor neighbour type glitches that ordinarily crop up. Especially where we are (snobs on one side, normal on the other). So it appeases any potential disagreements about trees growing over boundaries, kids parties, etc.

[@tenbre5748]

Just picked up your videos, utterly amazing. No nonsense info, entertaining and extremely comfy.... Makes me feel sad I live in NYC. I’ll be looking into city/community gardens though!

[@gasguzzler69]

we got chooks 7month ago and never looked back. started with 1 rescue and 3 baby's, a few months later 2 more rescue and another baby. a few more months and 2 of our chooks get broody, a friend gave us fertile eggs and we ended up with more baby's. everyone enjoyed nature take its course. they are pets that make food, they get cuddles and pats adult or baby. they provide hours of entertainment, jump trough the only window that doesn't have a screen to come in the house and say hi. we have 2 that chase the dogs or cat around the yard. we started off with a 4 by 3 meter pen and yard time during the day, then we got rid of the pen and let them have the whole yard day and night. sweety chook decided to be a fence jumper and wander the neighbour hood, so we had to get her back from the pound. couldn't leave one of our pets at the pound. now they have 9 by 3 meter pen, when we are home they are out in the yard. they luv their greens so I grow beside their pen and give them what we don't use from the garden. I haven't had to mow or weed the yard since we got them, not much for the compost these days. so even if they like to come inside to poo on our floor chicken are great. davo

[@Selfsufficientme]

Fantastic! Great story! Cheers :)

[@tipsyflowerpot5188]

*Reads story* Awwwww *reads end disclaimer* lolol 🐓🐔🐣🐤🐥

[@sakamoto5195]

I just bought six chickens. I can’t believe how much I love them! ❤

[@qsdqsdnetau]

Great video & advice. We are on a standard 600m2 block. A month ago we purchased 4 rescue hens destined for death from a lady who re-homes them. The best thing we ever did. Sure there are costs involved, we re-purposed an old cubby house from our now teenage kids and I built a fully enclosed & roofed 3m x 3m run off that. Like you said it is amazing what you can build with a little thought and effort. They are so friendly and happy to see you when you let them into the run each morning. They love routine. Can't believe we didn't do it sooner. Collecting eggs each day is a competition who comes in saying "Clever Girls" first! These times are certainly time to think. We also have a small vegie patch going which is coming along nicely ready for some chicken compost!

[@siobhancrawford7236]

Great video as always Mark! I live in the city but during Easter and Summer holidays as a kid, , I used to help with the hens and lambs at a family friends place. Great way to teach the responsibility of looking after animals xxx

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Siobhan! Yes, true, they're great animals for kids :)

[@lorrainemartin5034]

Love this channel. Recently discovered it and wonder why I didn't discover it earlier. Good job Mark.

[@cmkeiser]

Subscribed! Was just in Oz in July 2019 and Mark strikes me as a stereotypical Aussie guy - Helpful, Intelligent prepared and personable. While I was in Cairns there was a car wreck in front of my ABnB (victims shaken but all ok) well before you know it some random Oz guy shows up and starts clearing the wrecked cars from the street,helping settle the victims down, being assuring that all is well. Then a different Aussie guy comes up and tows the other car off the road then comes back with a leaf blower and clears the debris out of the street! Before Emergency Services arrive the place is looking and running like nothing happened! I thought right then "These guys have their act together!". I found a deep respect and love for Australia and Australian people. Wishing you all the best from Detroit, Michigan USA.

[@johndettra8958]

Year's ago an old lady had a small group of chickens in her back yard. She only kept them for their eggs. I bought a dozen, and was knocked out at how Delicious they were. Instead of Lemmon yellow bland yoked, they had almost orange yoked. And the flavor was astounding. I've never had eggs like that since.