5 Reasons to Keep Chickens

[@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

[@K1VV1939]

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

[@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 🤣

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@misakistalker]

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

[@AM-dc5yz]

@@misakistalker 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.

[@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!

[@nicojuro]

This is the best channel on youtube

[@billionbarze427]

One of the best, no doubt!

[@Palalune]

Certainly right there among the best :-)

[@rawtrout007]

why is that

[@nickj2019]

Fax

[@haruto2055]

Mabey the best gardening Channel

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ducktapepilot]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🐛

[@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 😘

[@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!

[@coolwant]

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

[@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.

[@maranatha1920]

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

[@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?

[@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!!!

[@williamzimmerle2004]

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

[@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.

[@theblankman5036]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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! 😉😉

[@shirl0955]

I love your channel..I have been raising chickens since i was a kid..Im 63 now and have never gotten tired of them..They are a joy to watch and so comical..I raise the brown egg layers..I also raise a few ducks but i have somewhere 200 hens and 20 roosters..All large breed chickens.I love them..So much fun

[@TheCookster64]

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!

[@kijanailis]

I love your channel. I'm in Alaska and I have 10 chickens (1 rooster) around 2 months old that I raised from 1 week old.. They are free ranging as well. All but 3 will tap me to be put in my lap, have a hug and be stroked. They close their eyes in absolute bliss, had 3 of them in my lap yesterday lol

[@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...

[@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

[@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?

[@Urbanforager]

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

[@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

[@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.🌱🐤🐥🐣🐓❤🐔

[@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!!

[@averagehuman3161]

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

[@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.

[@bbessems1553]

I am happy that you mentioned chickens beeing good pets, they are very engaging... i trained my two (non pure bred) orpingtons to do all kinds of tricks, they fistbump, give high 5 paws make the most lovely piroutes and come when called. And I am not ashamed to admit that when I am sad and crying one jumps me and snuggles my neck untill I calm down while the other one approaches me with a curious look on her beak and starts gently eating my tears... they have never ever hurt me on purpose and are so so smart gentle and funny. I call them my heart and sunshine because one warms your heart with her hugs and the other brightens your day like a little ray of sunshine (the one who eats tears is my sunshine and she actually has gold flecks in both her pretty brown eyes) and well when caring for my chickens it helps when they do these tricks, i can look at them closer or treat a hurt foot when i ask them to give paw. They are smart gentle and will steal your heart, treat chickens well and they will reward you not just with eggs but with love

[@jonberch4990]

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

[@titania5672]

My husband and I took our kids to the local pumpkin farm last year where they had so much of stuff for the kids as far as activities but they also had a chicken coup! It was sooooo beautiful! They transformed an old pick up truck by adding a coup to the back bed and get this put a chandelier in it! The birds were stunning themselves. They looked like they had feather boas around their necks. Too cute! It really brought me back to the days of when I was a kid visiting my grandma on her farm and I just wanted to play with the animals🐣🧡 thank you for all your great advise as well! I keep watching one video after another about gardening. I appreciate the info your putting out there! Keep educating us:) Yes keeping egg laying chickens could be easy but they’re better tasting eggs even meat when they’re actually homestead free range chickens and fed scraps. Nothing better than those eggs!

[@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 :)

[@alaskatundrakid]

The best reason of all, they are very calming and relaxing while watching or holding them. Great way to deal with stress. Love my chickens.

[@haizle]

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

[@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.

[@FullStarSky]

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

[@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.

[@chip63us]

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

[@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.

[@danielheltberg6202]

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

[@steyer-crmg]

I recently bought 25 Acres which is mainly scrub but has a good cleared area where I’m building a shed home. I watch your channel a lot and you inspire me to do what I’m doing. I plan to live off grid, I have a large solar system and batteries, I have access to water from a small part of river frontage, and I plan on raising pigs, goats and chickens. I bought 2 chickens from the local produce store and they are in a pen with a chook house in the pen, I move the pen around pulling it with my mower. At first the hens were pretty aggressive, if I got near them they would peck me! I just ignored them for a month or so, and then I found one outside the run, she just walked with me back to the run and went back in, now I let them out everyday and they will follow me around, if I put my hand above them they sit and I can pat them and pick them up. Definitely happier hens. And I’m happy! No eggs yet though. And I do the book book call just like you haha.

[@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

[@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

[@808bAler]

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

[@angelika77st]

You are an amazing teacher. I cannot get tired of listening to you

[@tobalzz1]

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

[@daxisperry7644]

This is by far my favorite gardening channel. Always puts me in a good mood.

[@busybumblebee9661]

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

[@dillydilly7285]

Chickens do great with eating off ticks here in Pennsylvania the last 5 years ticks have been really bad here and the chickens really help and we have some predators roaming about and the chickens are great for letting you know theres something not right and the kids love the chickens it's a really good idea for teaching them responsibilities and they learn where there food comes from I really enjoy your videos just wanted to thank you for all your great ideas you give me

[@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 :)

[@vickieheimuli7912]

I love my chickens, I have just restarted again there about 18 weeks old and got my first egg three days ago so excited I have three now just waiting for the others to start laying ..

[@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.

[@carolgoulart9759]

I love the way that you treat the hens, they're friends, not food. Hens like other animals deserve respect and love! Thanks for the beautiful message of this video.

[@Raphaelo325]

What a great video! I hope one day to get some land and you've convinced me to incorporate chickens! Question: Have you considered relocating your compost piles closer to your chickens? The chickens would help turn the compost and the insects and food waste in piles would provide another source of food for the chickens. Thank you again for all your generous information sharing and entertaining content!

[@SM-ov5rf]

I love that you spoke about companionship- they have charming personalities. So lovely that you have respect for their intelligence and care about their welfare.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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/

[@banksprinters4781]

Mark, I keep Chickens and all the points you make are spot on and to the point. The point about them tilling the garden and eating weeds is also spot on, i wish i could educate them to just eat the weeds and leave the crops! Love your channel and the only thing i ca add to the five points is to use crushed egg shells around plants like cabbages to ward off the slugs!!!!!

[@lorrainemartin5034]

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

[@kennethlatimer4607]

The only pet that poops breakfast. I love my 4 girls and am familiar with their personalities. Chickens are really smart. I have friends that could sit for hours just watching them. They do imbibe a little. Great video Mark.

[@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 :)

[@TheTrock121]

I have two compost bins in the large chicken run. I use one to charge bio-char w/ chicken manure. The second one has about a foot of leaves above it and I spread kitchen waste in the leaves. The chickens eat what they want and spread the rest around. Afterwards I fork the mix into the 6'x6' compost bin to finish composting.

[@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....

[@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.

[@d.d.mccarthy]

God bless you Mark. You are such an inspiration 😍

[@carolstockden5875]

I love listening to your videos. My reason for keeping chickens. I ❤️❤️❤️ them.

[@mainammmm]

Greetings from Italy! Love your work

[@leanneupton2505]

I have 14 chooks at the mo. When a hen goes clucky we sometimes let her be a mumma. 1/2 those will be roos. I can only have so many before they start fighting. The roos with the best attributes I keep, but the other roos I am going to eat. This is what a lot of backyard chicken keepers did years ago, and I guess some still do. Better in my opinion to eat a chicken that’s lived a great life than one from a supermarket which you have no idea what it’s life was like. Just started watching your channel and I love it. Cheers Leanne from Victoria

[@fiefe357]

I used to have a pet hen, word to word everything you have said is true; they're amazing pets and very intelligent. loved the video!

[@georgeberrill4834]

I keep a few chickens and I have noticed that they all have their own unique character. I don't have cockerel's cos they 're to noisy for a housing estate so a few ladies is all I've got. There's the 'bossy' one, the 'docile' one and one that loves to sit on my boots. They are fantastic creatures and I wouldn't be without mine. My brother says I have the most expensive eggs known to man - maybe he's alleging that I spoil them a little, well, they do love mealy worms so I give them a few as a treat, plus all the kitchen scraps, which they really dive into. I second your opinion regarding taste, my yolks are almost orange, not that pale creamy colour you get with super store eggs. Love your site and enthusiasm, keep it up. Cheers from a limey.

[@BrighidsGarden]

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

[@stacyhall3061]

my chickens are so snuggly!!! this reason plus eggs are tied for first. i love having chickens more than I thought possible. completely agree with your points.

[@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.

[@tilbaketilhagen]

Best channel ever! I found your channel while I was looking for a solution for my bullied hen.. Thank you! And, one thing to add to your top 5 reasons to keep chickens is that it keeps our children connected to nature and where our food actually comes from. Bonus is that our kids have gotten really calm and well behaved around animals. Chickens are just awesome.

[@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

[@abmgroup54]

They make good pets my daughter with 2 sons who are now 17 and 21 got three bantams when they wanted a pet 16 years ago and they are hilarious at their antics. Hospitals are now obtaining them as have found they give the patients beneficial therapeutic value.

[@marker113]

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

[@homesteadingusa]

Love the video my friend. My wife and I have 25 chickens which allows us to give to our friends and neighbors AND we feed our malamutes which keeps the cost of dog food lower. Like you mentioned about gardening benefits, we also use waste to fertilize our gardens along with our Llama and cattle waste.Keep up the great video work which gives our family great joy to watch weekly. Blessings