Four chicks sit together with their mother hen, while another hen nearby is brooding her eggs. Fiona Osborne, a 51-year-old woman from England, has a deep affection for chickens. She and her husband live in Lincolnshire, where their garden is filled with hens, chicks, and roosters. Keeping eighty-four chickens forms part of a large-scale plan, and many people underestimate how much work it involves. Looking after chickens is more demanding than most would expect, especially when several groups need attention, as in Fiona’s case.
Eggs and Pest Controllers
Fiona Osborne explains that they currently have eighty-four chickens in their garden, all living a fantastic life. Their home, located in the English countryside of Lincolnshire, includes a field where the chickens are raised. For Fiona and her husband, it is essential that every chicken lives well, can roam freely across the grass, and, above all, feels happy. Each morning, Fiona begins her day by opening the doors of the chicken coops so the birds can run freely while she cleans the coop.
Fiona explains that she cleans the coops every day as part of her regular routine. She has seen others who also keep chickens but clean their coops only once a week. Fiona and her husband do things differently, as they believe it is important for the chickens to have clean places to sleep and perch. A chicken prefers to rest in a tidy coop, even for an afternoon nap. She admits that keeping chickens is not as simple as it may seem and that she has made her own mistakes along the way. Regardless of the weather, the chickens go outside every day. Even during this chilly summer when the sun doesn’t always shine. Fiona notes that the chickens still enjoy their time outdoors.
In addition to keeping chickens, Fiona is also involved in trading. She sells her chickens to other people in the area who have spacious gardens where the birds can roam freely. "Keeping chickens comes with various benefits. Hens, for instance, lay eggs, so you don't need to buy eggs from the supermarket. Furthermore, chickens are excellent pest controllers; they eat various insects they find on the ground," explains Fiona. She fondly recalls a funny anecdote when she had to chase after a chicken that had caught a mouse and wanted to eat it. While Fiona deeply cares for her chickens, the roosters are sometimes utilized for harvesting purposes. "In essence, I've known that rooster for a long time, so it just feels normal to me, and I don't mind. However, vegans are shocked when they hear that we sometimes use our roosters for harvesting," she adds. It's worth noting that the hens are not used for harvesting.
Lifestyle
For Fiona and her husband, leading an organic lifestyle is of paramount importance. They thoroughly enjoy experimenting with various vegetables and fruits. Despite the rainy weather this summer, the berries in her garden are growing naturally. Adopting such an organic way of life has had positive effects on Fiona's well-being. "I truly relish this beautiful life," she says. Their diet includes organic meat, vegetables, and fruits. Fiona explains, "We don't go to the supermarket for things like vegetables and fruits. We have a garden where we grow and consume potatoes, carrots, and various other types of produce. Honestly, vegetables and fruits taste much better when you harvest them yourself." Furthermore, Fiona and her husband reside in a small community where there is a local farmer who sells organic potatoes. Fiona prefers to purchase her potatoes from this farmer. "We really cherish natural fruits and vegetables and try to avoid supermarket products as much as possible. Those items are often artificially produced, and they just taste different," she adds. Living an organic lifestyle not only enhances their culinary experiences but also aligns with their values of being connected to the land and promoting sustainable practices. Fiona finds joy in cultivating and consuming fresh, pesticide-free produce, which nourishes both their bodies and souls. Their commitment to an organic way of life reflects their deep appreciation for nature and the simple pleasures it offers.
When walking through the supermarket, you'll notice different prices for various types of eggs and meat. Chickens that have lived longer lives and are considered organic are often more expensive than factory-raised chickens. "The meat from the cheaper chickens comes from birds that have had a poor quality of life. They were raised under artificial lighting and spent their entire lives in small, cramped spaces. I just can't support that, and that's why I refuse to buy such meat. It's essential to me that these chickens have a good life before they are harvested," Fiona explains. Fiona's commitment to buying organic and ethically raised meat reflects her values and compassion for animals. She believes that supporting the humane treatment of animals and choosing products that come from farms where animals have had the opportunity to live in better conditions is not only better for the animals but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable food system. By choosing to pay a higher price for organic and humanely raised products, Fiona is making a conscious decision to support responsible and sustainable agricultural practices. She takes into consideration not just the taste and quality of the food but also the ethical and environmental impact of her choices.
Proper care
"Please don't share this with anyone, but I have a favorite chicken, and she is truly my darling. When she was just a chick, we thought she was a rooster instead of a hen. But as time went on, we realized she was indeed a hen, and she has an amazing personality. The chickens I have are not just one big group; they are divided into different groups, each with their own identity and dynamics. Some examples of these groups are Crumble and Pumpkin, names specifically referring to brood groups. Among these chickens, there's a special favorite who keeps a close eye on me and follows me wherever I go. Her unique personality makes her extra special to me. Her name is Uno, and she is currently eighteen months old." In 2011, Fiona and her husband started keeping chickens. They began with seven chickens and had already decided not to give each hen or rooster a name. Taking care of these animals was a well-thought-out plan, so the details were discussed beforehand, and Fiona was well-prepared. "We did make some mistakes in this process, but we learned a lot from them." Fiona's neighbor also has dozens of chickens, and sometimes they keep an eye on each other's flocks. "When our neighbor is away for a few days, we take the responsibility of looking after his chickens, and he does the same for us when we are away. The chickens always need supervision." For years, Fiona hasn't traveled because she prefers to stay home and take care of her chickens. "I worry when I'm away. A few years ago, we went away for a couple of nights, and honestly, I didn't enjoy it much. I prefer to stay at home and be with my chickens." Her dedication to her feathered friends is evident in the way she prioritizes their care and well-being above her own desires to travel. Fiona's deep connection with her chickens has created a bond that goes beyond the role of a caretaker. For her, they are more than just farm animals; they are cherished companions who bring joy and meaning to her life.
Fiona is genuinely frustrated by the fact that some farmers use chickens solely for commercial purposes. To her, it is of utmost importance that chickens are treated with respect and receive the proper care they deserve. She emphasizes that chickens require a significant amount of care and attention to lead a healthy and happy life. One of Fiona's main concerns is the need for sufficient space for chickens to roam freely. Having a garden or field where they can forage and move around is crucial for their well-being. She strongly believes that confining chickens in small, cramped spaces can negatively affect their health and the quality of their eggs. To maintain the chickens' health and provide a clean environment, Fiona stresses the importance of regularly cleaning the chicken coops. A clean and hygienic living space is essential to prevent diseases and ensure that the eggs are safe for consumption. Fiona points out that chickens defecate frequently throughout the day, meaning the coops can become dirty quickly if not cleaned regularly. A lack of hygiene can lead to unhealthy conditions for the chickens and potentially result in contaminated eggs. Overall, Fiona emphasizes that chickens are not disposable commodities, and their well-being and health should be taken seriously. Respecting their natural needs and providing a clean and spacious environment are just a few of the steps that can be taken to give these wonderful animals a good life. For Fiona, caring for chickens goes beyond mere responsibility; it's a reflection of her values and dedication to treating all living beings with compassion and kindness.
