Our Feathered Neighbours: The Cluckery
Some sounds just feel like home; the soft rustle of straw, the gentle cooing and clucking as the sun rises, the rhythmic pecking as busy little hens go about their day. I grew up with those sounds in the background of my childhood, and when we moved to the city, it was one of the things I missed most. There’s a kind of calm that comes from tending to animals, especially chickens; their steady routines, their simple needs, and their curious personalities have a way of grounding you in the present moment.
Country Calm
For years, I dreamed of bringing a bit of that country calm back into our urban life. When we finally decided to start The Cluckery, our small backyard flock, it felt like a piece of my childhood had come home again. It wasn’t just about the fresh eggs (though those are certainly a joy); it was about sharing the experience with my children. I wanted them to know the quiet rhythms of caring for another living creature; to learn patience, responsibility, and empathy in a way only animals can teach.
Soothing The Soul
When the world slowed down during COVID, those lessons became even more meaningful. Like so many families, we faced long days of uncertainty and isolation. But out in the backyard, life carried on. The chickens didn’t care about lockdowns or news headlines; they still needed to be fed, watered, and tucked in each night. In that small routine, we found comfort and purpose. My children would race out each morning to collect eggs, laughing when the hens followed them like little feathered shadows. The simple act of caring for our flock gave them structure, fresh air, and a gentle reminder that life, even in hard times, continues to grow and give.
Simple Joys And Connection
Backyard chickens have a way of offering more than they take. They provide eggs, yes, but they also bring life and laughter to the garden. They turn food scraps into compost, help control pests, and add personality to even the smallest homestead. But beyond the practical benefits, they nurture something deeper; a sense of connection. To the food we eat, to the land we care for, and to the simple joys that often get lost in the rush of modern life.
Our Feathered Neighbours: The Cluckery is a celebration of that connection; a peek into the world of keeping chickens on our tiny city plot, the lessons we’ve learned, and the laughter they bring to our days. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own backyard flock or simply curious about the charm of these feathered friends, I hope this space offers a bit of warmth, encouragement, and maybe even the inspiration to slow down and listen to the cluck and chatter that can make a house feel like home.