In a world increasingly disconnected from its food sources, a quiet revolution is taking place in backyards across the country. Chickens, long relegated to rural farms, are becoming a central part of modern urban and suburban life. With backyard poultry gaining traction, it’s not just about fresh eggs—it’s about sustainability, biodiversity, and a return to nature.
Santino from Valley Hatchery, a respected player in the backyard poultry world, believes this movement is more than a trend. “There’s something special about reconnecting with the earth through animals,” he reflects. “Raising chickens is an easy, meaningful step toward sustainability, and people are craving that connection more than ever.”
The Urban Farm Phenomenon
The rise of backyard poultry keeping isn’t happening in isolation—it’s part of a larger urban farming movement. City dwellers are finding that even with limited space, they can contribute to their own food security. Chickens, which require minimal care and space, are at the forefront of this shift.
“People think they need acres of land to be farmers,” Santino notes. “That’s not the case at all. You can raise a few chickens, grow some vegetables, and suddenly you’ve got a mini-farm that’s feeding your family and enriching your life.”
This movement is reshaping how people think about food. Instead of relying solely on supermarkets, individuals are taking control of their own food sources. It’s part of a larger cultural shift that values sustainability, local production, and environmental responsibility.
Chickens as Environmental Stewards
One of the more surprising aspects of this backyard revolution is how chickens contribute to a sustainable household. “They’re natural pest controllers and soil enrichers,” Santino explains. Chickens not only provide eggs, but they also contribute to a healthier backyard ecosystem by eating weeds, aerating the soil, and fertilizing gardens with their manure.
Rotational grazing—moving chickens between different areas of the yard—can help to maintain a balanced environment. “It’s amazing how chickens can become part of a regenerative system. They contribute to healthier soil, which leads to healthier plants, which then benefits everything else in the backyard.”
Getting Started with Valley Hatchery
Valley Hatchery offers a variety of poultry options for backyard enthusiasts, including rare and heritage chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, turkeys, quail eggs, and even started pullets. “We’re proud to offer not just chickens, but a range of poultry that can help families create sustainable backyard farms,” says Santino. The chicken hatching season runs from February through October, and the demand is high—pre-orders for the season begin in December, with many popular breeds selling out quickly. Valley Hatchery ensures that all orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, with careful packaging to guarantee the birds arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
What truly sets Valley Hatchery apart is the personal attention each order receives. “We’re a small team, and that allows us to provide a level of care that larger hatcheries simply can’t match,” Santino explains. “Every customer is important to us. We take the time to carefully pack and ship each chick, and we’re always available for advice or support, whether you’re a first-time keeper or an experienced poultry enthusiast.” This hands-on approach ensures that customers feel connected not only to their birds but also to the people behind the hatchery.
Conserving Rare Breeds: A Backyard Mission
Beyond eggs and sustainability, backyard poultry enthusiasts are increasingly becoming champions of rare and heritage breeds. These birds, often overlooked in commercial poultry operations, carry valuable traits that could be crucial in addressing future environmental challenges.
Santino and his team at Valley Hatchery have witnessed a surge of interest in these unique breeds. “People are fascinated by the individuality of these birds—whether it’s the stunning blue eggs from the Cream Legbar or the deep chocolate-brown eggs from the French Black Copper Marans,” says Santino. “But it goes beyond aesthetics. These breeds have historical significance and resilience that you just don’t find in commercial strains.”
He points out the Bielefelder, a breed known for being dual-purpose, producing both meat and eggs while thriving in various climates. “Bielefelders are incredibly versatile and self-sufficient, making them perfect for small-scale, sustainable farming,” Santino adds.
With industrial agriculture focusing on a handful of high-output breeds, many heritage varieties like these are at risk of extinction. Backyard poultry keepers play a critical role in conserving these rare lines, ensuring that genetic diversity is preserved for future generations. “By raising these birds, you’re not just getting a beautiful flock; you’re contributing to biodiversity and safeguarding the future of poultry,” Santino concludes.
Breaking the Disconnect: Why Backyard Poultry is More Than Just Eggs
As urban and suburban residents take up poultry keeping, many are finding that the experience offers much more than a source of fresh eggs. It’s about breaking a modern disconnect between people and the land. “Chickens bring people back to nature,” Santino says. “There’s something incredibly grounding about raising animals. It reminds us that food doesn’t just come from a grocery store—it’s part of a much larger system that we can be involved in.”
Santino emphasizes the value of teaching children about food production. “We’re seeing families use backyard chickens as a way to teach kids responsibility, where food comes from, and even basic biology. It’s an incredibly hands-on way to learn about life cycles and sustainability.”
The Future of Backyard Farming
The backyard poultry movement continues to grow, showing no signs of slowing down. It’s not just about sustainability—it’s about fostering a relationship with nature that many people have lost. “The chickens are just the beginning,” Santino says. “Once people start raising their own food, they become more interested in gardening, composting, and even other animals. It’s a doorway into a more sustainable, mindful way of living.”
As small hatcheries like Valley Hatchery continue to provide the means for individuals to raise their own flocks, the future looks bright for those seeking to make a positive impact on the environment, one chicken at a time.
