In the wild with Louise: A life transformed by two tiny chicks

When Louise first convinced her husband to let her have chickens, she had no idea how much they would change her world. It was the height of lockdown when two tiny chicks, Ginger and Barbara, arrived at her door. The outbreak of Covid brought unrest and uncertainty to many lives, including Louise’s. But soon enough, her two new chicks would bring an unexpected source of comfort, purpose and joy – shaping her life in ways she never imagined. 

Where it all began

When I had finally convinced my husband to let me have a couple of chickens, it was spring, and I managed to have two chicks delivered to my door. We weren’t allowed out at the time because of the lockdown. They arrived before the chick heater, so I spent the day cuddling Ginger and Barbara under my clothes until the heater finally arrived to keep them warm.

What was it about Ginger and Barbara that made them so special to you?

Because they were so young, I was able to watch them grow, and that gave me a new purpose. Every day, I had a reason to get up, and that was to look after the two little chicks. I spent so much time with them over lockdown and began to notice their different personalities. Ginger was loud, confident, and affectionate, whereas Barbara was more reserved, gentle, and always in Ginger’s shadow.

How did caring for chickens help with your mental health during that difficult time?

I was feeling depressed during lockdown, overwhelmed by the doomsday media and the prospect of losing my job. Ginger and Barbara gave me an escape that I desperately needed. As they grew, I felt like a part of me grew with them. I learned how much I loved the outdoors and nature and how important it was to slow down and appreciate the small things. Chickens have a special ability to make you forget everything and take a step back, which is so valuable in the fast-paced world we live in.

What surprised you most about keeping chickens?

What surprised me most about keeping chickens was their individual personalities. I can tell who is clucking just by the sound, and I can even predict what each one will do next. I even managed to teach one to count! They all respond to their names, which always surprises people when the hen I call comes running over.

What inspired you to start volunteering with a chicken charity?

After a year of keeping hens, I felt so much better within myself. I had changed career direction, I had got married, and I was happy. My change in mindset had a lot to do with Ginger and Barbara. I learned about charities that rehome chickens from egg farms, and I wanted to do whatever I could to change chickens’ lives—just like Ginger and Barbara had changed mine. I got in touch and soon began volunteering at my local rehoming collection point. It is heartwarming to see the joy on people’s faces when they come to collect their new girls, knowing that these hens are getting a great retirement instead of heading to slaughter.

What’s the most rewarding part of keeping chickens now?

Now, I am a mother. I am passing all my chicken knowledge to my two-year-old daughter, and she is completely chicken-obsessed. Looking after the chickens is something we do together, and I truly believe they are one of the best pets for children. They are educational, loving, and fun and teach the importance of nature and spending time outside. Watching my daughter care for the chickens and accompany me to the charity rehoming events is now what I find most rewarding. We share a special bond. I’m hoping to get her two small Silkies soon so that she can have a flock of her own.

If someone is considering getting chickens, what advice would you give them?

I always encourage people to keep their own chickens. The advice I always give is that the setup (coop, run, feeders, etc.) is really important. You want them to have enough space, be safe, and—because chicken math is a real thing—have something you can expand. And always get an automatic door for peace of mind (and a lie-in!).

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