Why we built The Chicken Keeper
Because most chicken content online is either (a) Pinterest fantasy or (b) chaotic forum arguments. We wanted one calm, practical place that prepares families for reality.
The real problem
People buy chickens before they build a system.
- They buy a small coop that’s painful to clean.
- They under-size the run and then fight constant pecking and mud.
- They underestimate fox pressure and lose birds.
- They don’t plan for holidays, illness, or the end-of-life decisions.
Our approach
- Simple systems: routines and checklists you can actually stick to.
- Welfare-first design: space, ventilation, clean water, safety.
- Beginner clarity: a path, not a million contradictory opinions.
- Honesty: the hard parts aren’t hidden — they’re prepared for.
Our story (the honest version)
We started the way most people do: a small flock, a head full of Pinterest optimism, and the assumption it would be simple.
We imagined fresh eggs, happy garden wandering, and that cosy “backyard life” vibe. What we got (at first) was a crash course in muddy feet, pecking order drama, cleaning routines, fox-proofing, and the reality that animals don’t run on your schedule.
A few hens, a basic setup, and lots of excitement. We learnt quickly that chickens are easy to buy… and surprisingly easy to get wrong.
Some days were pure joy. Other days were worry, mess, and problem-solving: is that normal? why are they bickering? what’s that smell? why is the run a swamp?
Once we stopped winging it and built a simple system, everything calmed down. The flock was happier, the garden was manageable, and chicken-keeping became the fun thing it should be.
Why it’s harder than Instagram makes out
- Chickens are messy: bedding, dust, poo, mud, feathers — especially in winter.
- They have politics: the pecking order is real, and introductions can be stressful.
- They get ill: sometimes it’s minor, sometimes it’s scary, and you need a plan.
- Predators don’t care: in the UK, fox pressure is constant. Safety is a design choice.
- Life keeps happening: holidays, school runs, bad weather, and the hard decisions no one warns you about.
That’s why this site exists. We love our chickens. We made the beginner mistakes. We learnt (sometimes the hard way). Now we want to help other families get to the good part faster — without the fantasy.
Starting from zero? Follow the path: Getting ready → Coops & sizing → Choose your chickens.
Our values
- Family & fun: chickens should add joy — not constant stress.
- Welfare first: space, safety, clean water, and calm routines beat “cute” setups every time.
- Healthy love of birds: we treat chickens like animals with real needs, not garden accessories.
- Simple systems: we prefer checklists and routines that actually fit real life.
- Kind honesty: we don’t sugar-coat the hard parts — we prepare you for them.
Our promise
Follow this guide and it will feel easier. Not because nothing goes wrong — but because you’ll stop being surprised by the predictable stuff.
If you stick with it, you’ll end up with what everyone actually wants: calm birds, steady eggs, and a routine that doesn’t take over your life.
