If there’s one thing I’ve learned about homesteading, it’s that chickens are often the first—and sometimes the most addictive—step into farm life. When we first brought home our little flock, I thought, How hard can this be? Fast forward to today, and I’ve seen just about everything: the joys of fresh eggs, the frustration of predator attacks, the comedy of a hen stealing my sandwich right out of my hand. If you’re considering adding chickens to your homestead, let me walk you through the pros and cons based on my own experience.
The Pros of Raising Chickens on a Homestead
Fresh Eggs (That Taste Better Than Store-Bought) - Nothing beats gathering warm eggs straight from the nest box in the morning. Not only do fresh eggs have richer yolks and firmer whites, but they also just taste better. I swear I could blindfold someone and they’d still be able to tell the difference between our eggs and the pale, watery ones from the store.
Chickens Are Nature’s Pest Control - If there’s one thing our birds love more than pecking at my boots, it’s eating bugs. Chickens will hunt down ticks, beetles, and even small snakes if given the chance. If you’ve ever had a tick problem in your yard, a flock of hens will take care of it in no time. Plus, I’ve seen them chase after flies like tiny feathered velociraptors—highly entertaining.
They Provide Free Fertilizer - Between the coop cleanouts and their daily droppings, chickens supply an endless amount of natural fertilizer. Their manure is packed with nitrogen, which, when composted, makes an excellent addition to garden beds. Just don’t apply it fresh unless you want to burn your plants. (Lesson learned the hard way!)
They Help Reduce Food Waste - Chickens are walking compost bins. Leftover bread crusts? Gone. That rice you forgot in the fridge? Devoured. Even things like wilted lettuce, old oatmeal, or bruised fruit get a second life as chicken snacks. Of course, you have to be mindful of what they eat—no onions, no chocolate, no overly salty foods—but overall, they help cut down on waste.
Entertainment and Personality - You wouldn’t think birds could have much personality, but trust me, they do. We have one hen who insists on following us around like a lost puppy and another who thinks she owns the entire yard. Chickens can be hilarious, from their ridiculous dust baths to the way they sprint toward you when they think you have snacks.
The Cons of Raising Chickens on a Homestead
Predators Are Always a Threat - If you’re not careful, keeping chickens can turn into a battle of wits between you and every predator in the area. Raccoons, foxes, hawks, even neighborhood dogs—if they get a chance, they will take one (or more) of your birds. We’ve had to reinforce our coop more than once, and still, I never let my guard down.
Chickens Can Be Noisy - Roosters are the obvious culprits, but hens can be loud too. Ever heard an “egg song”? Some hens celebrate their accomplishment with a raucous bawk-bawk-BAWK that can wake up the whole property. Not ideal if you have neighbors who like to sleep in.
They Can Wreck a Garden in Minutes - Chickens are great for pest control—but they don’t discriminate between weeds and your prized tomato plants. If they get into the garden, expect holes dug everywhere, leaves pecked to shreds, and any soft fruits or vegetables to be devoured. I learned quickly that a fence is a necessity.
They Require Daily Care—No Matter the Weather - Rain, snow, scorching heat—it doesn’t matter. Chickens still need to be fed, watered, and locked up safely at night. Winter is especially tough when you have to deal with frozen waterers and hens that don’t want to leave the coop. Taking a vacation? Better have someone trustworthy to chicken-sit.
Not All Hens Lay Forever - When you first get chickens, you might assume they’ll give you eggs daily for life. In reality, most hens slow down production after a couple of years. At that point, you have to decide whether to keep them as pets or cull them for meat. It’s not always an easy choice.
Final Thoughts: Is Raising Chickens Worth It?
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade my flock for anything. The eggs, the pest control, the ridiculous antics—chickens have become an essential part of our homestead. But they do require effort, planning, and a good sense of humor when things (inevitably) don’t go as expected. If you’re willing to put in the work, chickens are an incredibly rewarding addition to any homestead.
Would I recommend them? Absolutely. Would I warn you about the chaos they bring? Without a doubt. But at the end of the day, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your flock scratch around the yard, knowing that they’re contributing to the homestead in more ways than one.
So, are chickens in your future? If so, get ready for an adventure—because life with chickens is never boring.
