From “Just a Few Eggs” to Our Growing Flock

Our first step into chicken keeping on the journey to a simpler, more self-sufficient life

There’s something quite magical about deciding to slow things down. Over the past few years, we’ve been leaning more and more into a simpler, more intentional way of living—one that brings us closer to nature, our food, and each other. Hence buying the land etc.

Chickens had always been one of those “one day” ideas… but as it turns out, “one day” came around a little quicker than expected.

It Started With Eggs…

The original plan was beautifully simple: get some fertilised eggs, hatch them ourselves, and take our first step into keeping chickens. A gentle beginning, or so I thought.

But as with many things in life (and especially anything involving animals and children), the plan evolved.

We decided it might be nice to have a few chicks too—something for us all to bond with from the very beginning, and an opportunity for the children to really connect with the experience.

Watching life grow from an egg is incredible, but having tiny chicks to care for felt like the perfect complement to that journey.

Finding the Right Place

We were lucky to come across Orchard Poultry, just over Bideford way. From the moment we arrived, it felt right. Danielle and her mum Sue were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and patient—exactly what you need when you’re stepping into something new and slightly daunting.

I took Albs along with me, which in hindsight may have been the moment our “simple plan” truly went out the window…

Meet Burnt Omelette

Within minutes, Albs had completely fallen for a 6-week-old rooster. There was no hesitation, no debate—this was his chicken. And just like that, “Burnt Omelette” became part of the family.

(Yes, the name is as brilliant as it is slightly questionable… but it suits him perfectly.)

And Then There Were More…

By the time we left, our little starter plan had grown just a touch.

We came home with:

• 18 fertilised eggs ready for incubation

• 4 tiny 4-day-old chicks

• Burnt Omelette, our now very loved rooster

• And a beautiful 9-week-old Easter Egger hen, now named Easter

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A few more than we originally planned… but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Building Their Home

Back at home, the reality of our new adventure quickly set in. While I’ve been completely wrapped up in the excitement of the cook’s themselves, Craig has been hard at work creating their coop and run—making sure they have a safe, comfortable space to grow.

It’s been a real team effort already, and we’re only at the beginning.

Why This Matters to Us

This isn’t just about chickens. It’s about something deeper.

It’s about understanding where our food comes from.

It’s about teaching our children responsibility, care, and connection to animals.

It’s about slowing down and finding joy in the simple, everyday moments.

Collecting fresh eggs, watching chicks grow, caring for animals—it all brings a sense of grounding that’s hard to describe but incredibly rewarding to feel.

The Journey Ahead

We are very much at the beginning, and I’m sure there will be plenty of lessons (and probably a few challenges) along the way.

But that’s all part of it.

I’ll be sharing our experiences—the highs, the mishaps, what we learn, and how this journey unfolds—right here on Eat Clean, Health and Dream.

If you’ve ever thought about keeping chickens, or you’re simply curious about a more self-sufficient lifestyle, I’d love for you to follow along with us.

Here’s to new beginnings, a few unexpected additions… and one very memorable rooster named Burnt Omelette