🐔 Starnook Life: Chicken Keeping as a Homeschool & Homestead Adventure
🐔 Starnook Life: Chicken Keeping as a Homeschool & Homestead Adventure
One of our favorite parts of homesteading here on our 5-acre property has been raising chickens—and it’s quickly turned into one of the best hands-on learning experiences for our girls, Kristy and Brooke.
This summer, egg production has exploded! With 30 happy hens living in their new 35ft x 35ft chicken run, we're collecting nearly two dozen eggs every single day. The girls love going out each morning to check the nesting boxes, gather the fresh eggs, and make sure the chickens have plenty of food and water. It's become a daily rhythm that teaches responsibility, compassion, and the joy of caring for animals.
🧒 Why Chicken Keeping is Perfect for Homeschooling
Chicken keeping is so much more than just fresh eggs:
🥚 Math skills: Counting eggs, tracking daily totals, measuring food.
📚 Science lessons: Learning about different breeds, life cycles, and healthy nutrition.
🧠 Responsibility: Daily care builds strong habits and work ethic.
❤️ Connection to nature: Watching their flock grow and thrive helps them feel part of the land.
🐓 Meet Our Flock
We've had a blast getting to know all the different types of chickens in our coop:
Rhode Island Reds – dependable layers with big personalities.
Blue Sapphires – sleek, gorgeous birds with gentle temperaments.
Silkies – soft, fuzzy, and super cuddly!
Easter Eggers – they lay the cutest blue eggs that always surprise us.
Each breed has its own charm, and Kristy and Brooke love pointing out which ones are their favorites.
🍉 Our Chickens Love Treats Too
Our flock doesn’t just eat feed—they’re spoiled with scraps from the dinner table. Their absolute favorite? Watermelon! Watching them chase after juicy chunks is always a family highlight. We make sure they stay cool, hydrated, and happy in the summer heat.
We also added a protective net over the entire chicken run to keep them safe from hawks and other predators. It's 8 feet tall, giving them plenty of space to flap, scratch, and explore.
🛒 Future Farm Shop Dreams
With so many eggs, we’ve started sharing them with our neighbors, friends, and even our dogs—who love a fresh egg cracked over their kibble. And who knows? One day soon, Kristy and Brooke might open a little farm stand at the front of the property to sell eggs, veggies, and other handmade goods. It’s a great way to teach entrepreneurship and community giving.
