“Because of the Chicken, we have love, peace, and harmony”

Meet Yvonne, the warmhearted chicken keeper who welcomed our film crew and inventions into her home

Yvonne’s smallholding became the filming location for Because of the Chicken, capturing the joy and connection her flock brings to everyone around her. What began as a simple plan to add chickens to her self-sustaining garden in California has evolved into something much more. These feathered friends have brought purpose, peace, and even played a key role in improving her son Jalen’s mental health. This is the story of how a small flock of chickens transformed not only Yvonne’s life, but her family’s as well.

A seed of an idea that grew into something stronger

Yvonne’s chicken-keeping journey began in the summer of 2021. Inspired by her newfound passion for gardening, she decided to introduce chickens to her property as part of a self-sustaining ecosystem. “I didn’t want to use pest control or commercial fertilizers,” she explains. “I wanted a system where everything worked together—they eat the bugs, they make the fertilizer, and the eggs are just a bonus!”

Starting with eight chickens in her barn, Yvonne soon found herself adding more, and now proudly cares for a flock of 20. Each chicken brings its own charm, but the Americanas hold a special place in her heart. “They’re our favourite breed,” Yvonne says, “though we love them all for their individual personalities.”

Finding calm in the coop

While the chickens were intended to support Yvonne’s garden, they quickly became something much more powerful—especially for her son, Jalen.

“He struggles with major depression and anxiety,” Yvonne shares. “But since we’ve had the chickens, I’ve seen a dramatic improvement in him. He’s really connected to them. Helping me raise them from newborns to fully grown has given him something special to focus on.”

For Jalen, the chickens became a reason to step outside each day—something Yvonne says nothing else could have convinced him to do. “He’s grounded with nature now. It’s been incredible to see the change in him.”

Bringing the whole family together

The chickens have brought joy to the entire family, especially Yvonne’s grandchildren.

“They love collecting the eggs,” Yvonne says. “They’re all different colours, so the basket looks like Easter every time.”

The chickens have even become part of the games the grandchildren play. “When the dog digs a hole looking for a gopher, the chickens rush in to hunt for bugs—they don’t even care that dirt’s flying everywhere. It’s hilarious!”

A new rhythm to life

Because of the chickens, Yvonne’s days are now shaped by sunrise and sunset. “I’m up at 5 a.m. every morning,” she says. “I see every sunrise and sunset now, and I get my vitamin D, get grounded with nature, and enjoy the peace and harmony they bring.”

In return for their care, Yvonne’s chickens provide plenty of delicious eggs. “We eat a lot of egg burritos, French toast, pancakes, and scrambled egg and cheese sandwiches,” she laughs. “Nothing fancy, but everything’s better with fresh eggs.”

A message to anyone thinking of getting chickens

For Yvonne, the impact of her flock has been undeniable. “Because of the chickens, we have love, peace, and harmony,” she says. “They’ve changed our lives in ways I never expected.”

To those considering starting their own flock, Yvonne’s advice is simple: “Go for it. They’re worth every second.”

Because chickens are more than just fresh eggs—they’re therapy, they’re connection, they’re joy. They fix us, in ways we never imagined.

 

This entry was posted in Chickens

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