“My advice to anyone thinking about getting chickens? Just go for it”

Meet Kealy from Norfolk, the next chicken keeper in our series “How chickens changed my life.” Having grown up around chickens, Kealy always knew she’d one day have a flock of her own. When the opportunity finally arose last year, she didn’t just find a hobby – she found a source of daily laughter and a brand new community. From garden mirrors to improved soil, see how Kealy’s world has been transformed by her feathered friends.

The journey began with three mixed-breed pullets: Eggsy, Henrietta, and Penny. Each brought a distinct flair to the Norfolk garden. “Eggsy is very much the noisy neighbour of the group,” Kealy says, describing her dominant Rhode Island Red. In contrast, Henrietta remains “wonderfully chilled,” while Penny the Leghorn mix dashes about “as if she’s permanently late for something.” The family grew even further a few months later when Kealy rescued a hen named Karen and her chick, Keith, who has since claimed his title as the resident cockerel.

The most unexpected shift, however, was the emotional bond. “They really have become pets to us, not just animals in the garden,” Kealy explains. “Each one has their own personality, habits, and quirks, and it’s impossible not to get attached.”

The chickens have even turned Kealy into a budding gardener. To boost her flock’s immunity and digestion, she began growing herbs directly in their run, with some help from the experts of course: the chickens themselves have been busy fertilising and improving the ground as they go.

While Kealy was already an outdoorsy person thanks to her three Labradors, the chickens added a new layer of presence to her time outside. “We’ve found ourselves spending even more time outdoors – often just sitting and watching them go about their day,” she notes. 

A standout moment of “chicken magic” occurred during a routine coop clean. Kealy had set her phone down, only to find Eggsy captivated by her own reflection in the screen. “That moment inspired me to buy them a mirror,” Kealy says. “Of course, Eggsy was the very first to check it out. She absolutely loved it.”

Beyond the coop, the flock has opened doors to a global network. Through social media, Kealy has connected with a vibrant community of fellow keepers. “It’s amazing how something so simple can connect you with so many like-minded people.”

Kealy’s practical tip for those on the fence? Don’t overthink it. “Just go for it. The benefits go far beyond fresh eggs. Chickens bring joy, calm, connection and a surprising amount of laughter.”

We asked Kealy to finish this sentence: “My life is better #BecauseOfTheChicken… it’s the quiet moments outdoors, the sense of purpose, and a little flock that has become such a big part of our world.”

We’ll be back with more ‘how chickens changed my life’ interviews soon!

This entry was posted in Uncategorised

---