Eggs—the breakfast staple in kitchens everywhere—are now taking center stage in supermarkets. But why? With spring on the horizon, eggs have long been a symbol of new life and renewal, a tradition rooted in both ancient and religious celebrations.
As families prepare for Easter egg hunts, Passover traditions, and other springtime gatherings, they may face an unexpected challenge: an egg shortage. A widespread bird flu outbreak has devastated poultry farms, leading to a 22% price surge in January alone and tightening supplies nationwide.
What’s the solution? For many, the answer is clear: raise backyard chickens.
A local expert: The “Chicken Tender”
Bob Pittman, a supervisor at Rooster Home and Hardware in Lake Highlands and a passionate advocate for backyard chicken keeping, knows everything about raising chickens. Most people call him the “Chicken Guy,” but Pittman prefers the title “Chicken Tender” (pun intended). Each spring, he helps local families start their own backyard flocks, selling baby chicks and offering expert advice on chicken care.
But you don’t need to live in Texas to experience the joy of raising chickens. Across the country, more people are embracing backyard flocks to enjoy fresh eggs, teach kids responsibility, and reconnect with nature.
Thinking about raising chickens? Consider this:
Pittman shares two important questions he asks every potential chicken owner:
- Do you have the time to make chickens a part of your routine?
Chickens require daily care, from feeding and watering to cleaning their coop. - Do you have a secure space?
Predators, especially raccoons, are clever and dexterous—they can open chicken coop doors.
Pittman’s fun facts about chickens
- Chickens need companionship.
Don’t buy just one; they are social animals that thrive in groups. - They’re smarter than you think.
Spend time observing them, and you’ll see their intelligence at work. - Egg-laying takes time.
Chicks don’t start producing eggs until they’re about six months old, so if you start now, expect eggs in late summer. - Rules vary by city.
Some areas allow unlimited hens, while others have restrictions. Most cities prohibit roosters due to noise concerns. - Popular breeds and unique eggs:
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- Araucana are relatively rare and lay blue or green eggs.
- Easter Eggers are a mixed breed that lay blue, green, pink, and cream-shell eggs.
- Buff Orpington is an English breed that lays light brown eggs and ones that have a slight pinkish color.
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- Chickens come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
The rarer the breed, the more expensive they are.
Where a rooster roamed freely
“Farmers usually look at chicken breeds as either layers or dinner,” Pittman said. “But here, even roosters are heroes.”
This feeling is due to George, a beloved rooster who became a community icon. A little girl brought George to the store because she couldn’t keep him—he insisted on crowing each morning at dawn. But instead of being rehomed, he was welcomed with open arms.
For years, George had a coop both inside and outside the store. Each morning, the staff proudly walked him and, at times, the chicks through the aisles to their outdoor enclosure, like the famous Peabody Hotel ducks in Memphis.
George became a beloved part of the store, endearing himself to customers. When he retired to Palo Pinto County at age 9, his legacy lived on—the store was renamed in his honor from Gecko Hardware to Rooster Hardware.
Today, a portrait of George hangs near the chicken supplies, a lasting tribute to the community’s most famous rooster.
The backyard chicken lifestyle
Backyard chicken keeping is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Juanita Sorelli, a Public Service Officer at UT Southwestern, shops at Roosters for her baby chicks and adds to her backyard flock yearly.
“I’m planning to retire in a few years,” Sorelli said, “and I’m looking forward to raising even more breeds.”
For Sorelli, chickens offer more than just fresh, delicious eggs. They are a source of entertainment, social connection, and a way for her to engage with her grandchildren and neighbors.
Thinking about getting started?
Experts like Pittman are there to help those new to chicken raising. Every spring, he prepares for the rush of families eager to visit and pick out their first chicks.
“I always tell parents and grandparents: You don’t have to be 4 years old to hold a baby chick. You can hold them just like the kids do.”
Raising chickens is an adventure that brings fresh eggs, endless entertainment, and a deeper connection to nature.
Ready to start? Visit a trusted local store that sells quality chicks and offers expert advice on growing your backyard flock.
Spring chick schedule: Weekly arrival dates
The store posts a weekly list of available chick breeds during early spring, which go on sale two days after arrival. Here’s the expected schedule for this season’s arrivals:
March 17 – Cream Legbar, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Lavender Orpington, White Crested Blue Polish
March 31 – Blue/Black Splash Laced Red Wyandotte, Olive Egger, Ameribella
April 7 – Easter Egger, Barred Rock, Rhode Island Red
April 14 – Easter Egger, Barred Rock, Golden Laced Wyandotte
April 21 – Black Copper Marans, Blue/Black Splash Andalusian, Cream Legbar, Green Queen Easter Egger
April 28 – Silver Laced Wyandotte, Olive Egger, White Crested Black Polish, Splash Polish
