What My Chickens Have Taught Me About Life

Sonic the Silkie

When I started keeping chickens, I thought I was just signing up for fresh eggs and a quirky hobby to meet my weird, quirky personality. I didn’t expect the life lessons that would come scratching at my boots every morning. Turns out, chickens are better teachers than I ever imagined. Here’s what my flock has taught me—about patience, presence, and the surprising wisdom, empathy, and connection abilities of a bird with a brain the size of a walnut.

Routine Is Grounding

Chickens thrive on rhythm. They rise with the sun, go to bed at dusk, and expect their feed and water at the same time each day. No drama. No deviation. It’s a reminder that consistency brings calm—not just to them, but to me. When I mirror their routine with my own small rituals (like a morning coop check or an afternoon egg collection), I feel more grounded and less scattered.

You Don’t Need Much to Be Content

Give a chicken a dust bath, a sunny patch of grass, simple treats, and a safe place to roost, and she’s (or he) perfectly happy. Watching them delight in simple pleasures—scratching, pecking, napping in the sun—reminds me that joy doesn’t have to come from big, expensive things. A quiet moment in the yard can be enough.

Community Matters—But So Does Boundaries

Chickens are social animals, but they don’t always get along. The pecking order is real. I’ve watched them squabble, make up, and set clear boundaries. It’s taught me that community is vital, but it also means respecting space, roles, and dynamics. Not everyone has to be your best friend—but you do need to coexist peacefully.

Life (and Eggs) Don’t Always Arrive on Schedule

There’s nothing like waiting impatiently for your first eggs, only for your hens to take their sweet time—or go broody the moment production kicks in. Chickens have shown me that life has its own pace. Whether it’s eggs, growth, or healing—things happen when they’re ready, not when I am.

RV is 9 Weeks Old Today!

Loss Is a Part of the Journey

Every backyard chicken keeper eventually faces heartbreak. A predator, an illness, an unexpected death—it’s part of the reality. As hard as it is, my chickens have helped me face loss with more acceptance. Their lives are short, but full, and I’ve learned to value presence over permanence.

Protect What Matters

Chickens are vulnerable. Without shelter, they’re easy prey. Building a coop isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an act of protection. They’ve taught me that it’s worth the effort to guard what matters, whether it’s my family, my time, or my peace of mind.

You Can Be Small and Still Have Impact

Chickens may be small, but their presence is mighty. They turn kitchen scraps into compost, reduce ticks and bugs in the yard, and give back more than they take. It’s a daily reminder that even small actions—like planting a garden, sharing eggs with a neighbor, or tending to animals—make a difference.

Final Thoughts

I started with chickens to get eggs. But I ended up with a backyard full of lessons—on simplicity, stewardship, and finding joy in the basic everyday. If you’ve ever thought about keeping chickens, I say go for it. They might change your mornings… and maybe your mindset, too.

Have chickens changed your perspective on life? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments or on my Instagram @rachelseggcellentadventures

Stay Eggcellent,

Head Hen Rachel

P.S. Cindy Lou the Roo says hello