Tag: Homesteading

Rewilding With Chickens: Lessons Learned from a Desert Flock

Observing, Adapting, and Rewilding in Arizona

Bringing a flock of hens home seemed simple at first, just a few eggs, I thought. But they brought lessons I never imagined. I make my way to the coop each day at sunrise, the hens clucking away and breaking the morning quiet. It may be hard to imagine, but the smell of dry, gritty earth and sun-baked foliage is something you learn to find beauty in over time.
Keeping chickens here feels like a kind of rewilding, not of wilderness, but of care and diligent attention. In a place where water and shade are precious, you begin to see how every living thing adapts. The hens move with quiet wisdom, digging into the cool earth or finding shelter beneath sparse desert trees and makeshift shade cloths.
Eggs of all colors and sizes are gathered each day. They follow the natural rhythm of my flock, arriving whenever, rather than on a schedule. That kind of cycle feels sacred, a small, circular rebellion against the idea that everything must be constant and controlled.
When the monsoon season arrives, I welcome the brief shift in temperatures and the distinctive smell of rain on the crispy creosote bushes. Somehow, the smell of rain on the wet city streets feels strangely comforting. As thunder rolls and the wind violently picks up, the desert becomes a conversation again, one of long-awaited change. The flock huddles down when harsh weather threatens, quietly finding shelter until it passes. Winter, by contrast, is mild and comfortable, offering the flock a much needed reprieve. There were moments when the heat left me exhausted, and the needs of my flock felt greater than what I could give. Yet in facing those moments, I uncovered a resilience I never expected to find.
Rewilding doesn’t always mean returning to forests or rivers. Sometimes it’s about remembering how to live in the place you already are. Even a small desert chicken farm can provide that sense of reconnection, where a flock of hens teaches you to observe, adapt, and find grace—even in a climate that is not always kind.

Back to HOME PAGE

Why and How to Use Lime in Your Chicken Coop

Controlling Oder & Pests in the Coop

Taking care of a chicken coop means keeping it clean, safe, and smelling as fresh as possible. One way to do this is by using lime. Not only does it help with odor but it’s also an insect repellent. Lime also helps soak up moisture which can lead to bacteria & mold. A good rule of thumb is to reapply lime at least once a month.

First Saturday Lime

I use First Saturday Lime in my coop, available at Amazon.

Back to HOME PAGE

Practical Chicken Coop Bedding Choices

Bedding Choices to Keep your Coop Clean, and your Life Easier

Written by a real person!

When it comes to chicken coop bedding, new options and creative combinations are gaining popularity as chicken keepers look for better choices.
Hemp bedding is becoming especially popular. It’s highly absorbent, some sources say it can hold up to four times its own weight in moisture, and it naturally helps control odors better than shavings. It also breaks down easier when composting. However, consider the fact that Hemp is pricier and may be hard to source.
I don’t have any personal experience with Pelletized Bedding but I have heard of other chicken keepers using it and are happy with its performance. It’s often made from recycled paper or other natural materials. These pellets produce less dust, and can sometimes outperform traditional options when it comes to odor control. But in my opinion it sounds like it’s a product you are going to be replacing often… that means an expense and a chore you may not want.
The Deep Litter Method continues to be a favorite for its practicality and sustainability. Instead of frequent full clean-outs, fresh bedding layers are added over time while the old material decomposes in place. This system helps manage odor, generates warmth, and reduces labor. However, success depends on good ventilation, regular stirring or turning, and careful moisture control, otherwise, issues like ammonia, mold, and pests will most definitely become a problem. This method is most popular in colder climates.
Pine Shavings are probably the most popular product used in coops, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. I won’t deny they’re soft, absorbent, help control odors, and smell wonderful. Not to mention they’re affordable, widely available, compost well, and a good choice for the deep litter method. But there is a downside, pine shavings are super dusty which can be a respiratory irritant to chickens as well as their keepers. They break down quickly, need regular refreshing, and when they get damp, trap bacteria and ammonia. Shavings need to be replaced often, a chore that is time consuming and messy. Which brings me to why I don’t use them, and what I highly recommend instead….

Sand

Sand has become a very popular growing trend. Sand dries quickly, doesn’t decompose or get moldy like other bedding, and provides great drainage. Coarse sand (I use construction grade) is the best choice (fine play sand should be avoided.) The coop is easy to clean using a sifting rake. You can have sand delivered from a local landscape center, take the afternoon and spread it yourself (or hire someone,) and you are good to go for literally years.

If you feel the need to mix or blend bedding materials, this is okay too. This is a great way to take advantage of the different individual strengths of various beddings. It makes good sense to adjust bedding seasonally, especially in winter. 
More info: Sand types / Sifting shovels

Back to HOME PAGE