Food Independence is Peaceful
March 2020 we both turned 50. It was at this same time that Covid-19 shut our lives down and introduced food fear into our family for the first time in our life. We took this opportunity to establish the first flock of hens at Hilltop Farm in over 50 years.
These beautiful chickens are called the “HennyPenny” flock. They are here to build food security into our homestead. We gave the hens sweet, thoughtful names; Ethel & Lucy, Greta & Henrietta, Ginger & Honey, Lemon and Honey. The oldest hens are my Buff Orpingtons. These hens are broody, friendly and cooperative. Buff Orpingtons do not fly. We gave the Orpingtons proper British names. Shown above is Henrietta tending to the chicks. The younger hens (shown above as 3 week old chicks) are Isa Browns. Isa Brown hens are cooperative and friendly, but can also be quite assertive. Isa Brown hens fly very well. We let them keep this superpower. Isa Browns are a more dominant breed than the Orpingtons. We gave our Isa Browns sweet “Southern Belle” names.
Our family had never tended to chickens before. At the start we had no idea what hens required to thrive. Still ever committed to being excellent guardians, we all read and researched and grew our knowledge of these miraculous birds that feed us. Through the dark, scary days of Covid we tried to stay focused on planning for food independence. During the most fear producing days of Covid we were enjoying the simple pleasure of God’s ancient providence through chickens. Taking care of the HennyPenny flock has been a healthy pivot away from fear and towards a more zen lifestyle of clean, healthy, all-natural living. Learning about our hens, how to deal with roosters (oh my!) and raising 4 new chicks with Henrietta (pictured above) has been a healthy challenge. Our family has re-centered our idea of food responsibility and our role in feeding ourselves. What a pleasant adventure it has been! Yes it is work. Yes I have had hens die. Yes I have had a terrific- friendly rooster. Regrettably, Yes, I have had a violent-aggressive rooster. Keeping the barn clean and safe is paramount. It’s a simple tedious task the needs regular focus. We are committed to these animals. We have learned how to “train” free-ranging boundaries & basic voice commands. Chickens are super cool, cautious and curious creatures. They are also intelligent. Did you know that even when chickens roam far, far away free-ranging they return to the barn every night to roost! They operate like clockwork. Not only do they return at night- they continue to lay their eggs in our nest so we can eat their eggs. They pick up bad habits too. If I give them too many food options- they become quite picky eaters. My mean rooster taught one of my hen bad habits on how appear aggressive.
Oh the adventures we have had with the HennyPennys. Honestly. We have fallen in love with chickens and the way they anchor our homestead. We no longer feel food insecure. To the contrary- we have plenty of eggs to sustain the family without buying any from the store. I just gave my Mother a dozen the other day! Now we are ready to set you up too! Buy your first batch of chicks from Hilltop Farm today. Our newest chicks hatch May 26th. We will deliver and educate. Chicks come with complementary chicken consulting. 👨🌾Farmer Tree will fast track you to chicken success!
“I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world”
