Good Neighbors (With Chickens)

The neighbors’ chickens enjoying some old greens from the farm

I’m fortunate to have good neighbors. I am fortunate to have good neighbors on all sides of my farm who have chickens. This was one of the reasons why my family and I chose the property for the farm in the first place. If you have chickens running around your backyard and a small garden, that probably means you’ll be friendly with a random new neighbor starting a farm next door.

We talk gardening tips and complain about the groundhog that’s eating everyone’s plants. The best part is that we trade my vegetables for their eggs. Bring back the trade economy! Did I say that in my last blog? Now, I rarely buy eggs from the store, and local eggs are way better anyway. Darker yolks mean better eggs. When you have the chance, compare farmers' market eggs with store-bought ones. You’ll see the difference. I also give my neighbors old produce to feed their chickens, so nothing goes to waste. But Humon, isn't it annoying to have loud and smelly chickens near you? Honestly, no, they're not loud, and my neighbors keep their coops clean. There are no downsides.

What I’m trying to say here is you may want to make friends with people who own chickens and have farms or gardens. You’ll end up paying for groceries way less often.