Happiness is a Hen

The white noise app on my phone has relaxing options for “waterfall,” “rain,” “crackling fire” and “ocean.” But it doesn’t have the selection I’m looking for: “hen.”

If you’ve never listened to the sounds of a contented flock of hens as they scratch for their dinner, then you probably think I’m nuts. The soft clucking and chirping is musical and soul-soothing. For this Wisconsin girl, it beats crashing waves any day.

Eggs are a pantry staple for me. Whether I’m making omelets for a nutritious, inexpensive dinner or baking cookies, I go through about a dozen a week.

There are many alternatives at the grocery store, but it is hard to filter through the claims of free-range, vegetarian fed, certified humane, omega-3 enhanced, organic… I believe there are responsible egg farmers out there, but the surest way to find happy hens and fantastic eggs is to find a local farm or raise your own.

My oldest boy and I researched breeds that were cold-hardy and even-tempered. We factored in good looks and settled on a small but diverse flock.

A month ago we picked up a small chirping box at our local post office and opened it to reveal six fluffy chicks ranging from bright yellow to striped copper.

After a week, feathers began sprouting. Our ladies are getting larger by the day and soon they will be moving out of our garage into a snug coop. They’ll be allowed the run of the yard when we are outdoors to supervise, but they’ll be kept in a large, covered run the rest of the day to protect them from our resident red-tailed hawk.

Another little piece of our homestead has fallen into place, and the satisfaction of raising some of our own food from beginning to end grows. A garden is golden, but I can’t wait to fetch my first basket of tawny brown and pale blue eggs.

Next? I have my heart set on a milking goat.

Depending upon where you live, you may be able to raise chickens too. Madison has allowed backyard chickens since 2004—up to four hens per single family residence. Check your local ordinances and visit these links for more information on raising backyard chickens:

Madcitychickens.com: Learn about the regulations around owning chickens in Madison city limits, where to get coops, feathered classifieds and more great resources.

BackYardChickens.com: a wonderful site with resources, a forum to ask other chicken owners for tips, and extensive information about breeds and supplies.

MyPetChicken.com: another good site with lots of education about chickens, coops, supplies, as well as gifts for chicken lovers.