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How to Start Raising Chickens: 5 Steps You Can Take Right Now

Are you ready to start raising chickens but not sure where to begin? In this no-fluff, faith-filled episode, we walk you through 5 simple steps to start your backyard chicken flock—even if you don’t have a coop yet! Whether you’re dreaming of fresh eggs, thinking about raising chickens for beginners, or looking to create a more self-sufficient homestead, this episode gives you the exact first steps you need to take today.

You’ll learn how to:

Decide between laying hens vs. meat chickens

Choose the best chicken breeds for beginners

Understand local chicken laws and ordinances

Plan a simple, predator-proof chicken coop setup

Create a chicken supply list and realistic budget

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

Getting ready to butcher your own chickens at home? 🐔 This episode is your ultimate guide to the must-have tools and supplies for butchering chickens—perfect for beginners, backyard chicken keepers, and homesteaders alike.

In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, I’m breaking down every single tool you need to process meat chickens safely and efficiently—from kill cones and sharp knives to poultry pluckers, scalding pots, shrink wrap bags, and more. I’ll walk you through exactly what works (and what’s just fluff), so you don’t waste time or money trying to figure it out alone.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

So you’re thinking about raising chickens? Or maybe you’ve already brought home a few hens and now you’re wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, I’m sharing the 3 biggest things I wish I had known before starting with chickens—lessons that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

We’ll cover real-life beginner chicken keeping mistakes, how to avoid common homesteading pitfalls, and the surprising truth about what it’s really like to care for a flock. From chicken coop setup tips to understanding feed, flock behavior, and predator protection, this episode is full of practical advice for first-time chicken owners. If you’re searching for “how to raise backyard chickens,” “chicken coop advice,” or “homesteading with kids,” you’re in the right place.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

Are you ready for the end times? Whether it’s the last days or just a hard season, there’s a lot we can—and should—be preparing for. In today’s episode, we’re starting with that big, bold question: What if the world really is ending? But then we’re digging deeper.

We’ll talk about what it means to be spiritually ready, how to steward our homesteads with intention, and the kind of peace that only comes when your roots go deep in Jesus. It’s not about fear—it’s about faith, wisdom, and being prepared for whatever comes, with chickens in the coop and hope in your heart.

Whether you’re stockpiling or just soul-searching, this is your reminder that God calls us to live prepared—not panicked.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

Thinking about raising chickens but feeling overwhelmed by the unknown? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle the biggest fears new chicken keepers face—from choosing the right breed and building your first coop to surviving your first predator scare and figuring out what grit even is. Whether you're worried about cost, mess, or accidentally buying a rooster, we walk through it all with honesty, humor, and grace.

You'll learn simple, beginner-friendly tips that build your confidence and help you avoid common mistakes. This isn’t just about chickens—it’s about starting small, trusting God, and stepping out in faith. So if fear has been stopping you from starting your backyard flock, press play and let’s walk through it together—because you were made for this.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

In this episode, we dive into how to build and weatherproof your chicken coop to withstand rain, snow, wind, and all kinds of weather challenges. Whether you’re dealing with soaking rains, freezing winters, or blustery winds, you’ll learn practical tips to keep your flock safe, dry, and cozy all year round. We’ll cover materials, design ideas, drainage solutions, and simple upgrades that make a big difference.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

Deciding between laying hens and meat birds can feel like choosing between two very different adventures on your homestead. In this episode, we’ll help you figure out which type of chicken best fits your goals—whether you’re after fresh eggs daily or planning to raise birds for meat. We’ll cover the key differences in care, space, and timing, plus some fun stories and faith-inspired wisdom to guide you in making the right choice for your family and farm.

No matter what you pick, raising chickens is a rewarding journey full of lessons, laughter, and blessings. So come along as we break down the options with humor and heart, helping you start your flock strong and confident. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fruitful flock life!

– Tori Gass

Connect with Us:

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

Starting a backyard flock can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you want fresh eggs, pest control, or just some feathery companions, we break it down in an easy, fun way with a little humor and lots of heart. So grab your hat, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the joys of flock life together!

– Tori Gass

Ever feel like you’re juggling farm chores and motherhood with one arm and a coffee cup? Wondering how to teach responsibility to your kids without it turning into a meltdown (yours or theirs)? In this episode, I’m sharing how those simple backyard chicken chores can become some of the most powerful teaching tools for your family. Around here at Lost Sheep Farm, we’re learning every day that the real lessons aren’t always found in books—they’re found in the messes, the teamwork, and the early mornings when everybody’s still half-asleep.

I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision.

I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts

This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead.

Each week you will learn how to:

🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes

🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long

🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground

✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family

💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts

If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts

You were called to this. Let's build it together.

Next Steps:

📞 Book your one-on-one homestead strategy call Book a Homestead Consult Call — $47 | Tori Gass

https://torigass.com/checkout-consult

🌿 Visit Tori Gass | Homestead Coach & Educator

https://torigass.com/

💬 Join the free community Homesteading as Christian Women with Tori Gass 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22