I’ve been blogging since November 2018. Every year, on this site’s anniversary I write a retrospective of the previous twelve months, including some of the highlights and new things I’ve been working on.
I’ve been watching the stats on my site and as they crept closer to one million views I decided I’d mark that milestone instead of on its fifth birthday. I suppose in the grand scheme of things one million is a cause for celebration but when a cat video or a kid opening boxes on YouTube can hit that number overnight I feel a bit dwarfed in comparison.
Sometimes I question the amount of time I’ve put in – week in, week out – to produce more than 600 posts and 620,000 words.
The simple fact is this blog has come to embody some of my loves all is one place: chickens, writing, teaching, bringing people together and improving the lives of animals and other people. Sitting down at my computer and coming up with the depth and breadth of topics that I have has been a challenge and usually an utterly solitary pursuit. Sometimes I work (by distance) with a guest contributor or get feedback once a post has been published, but otherwise I’m at my desk looking out into the trees on my acreage. Often a deer wanders by or an owl comes to roost in the forest directly opposite my window. Sometimes I listen to music, but more often I work in silence.
You know the adage about art? Even if it’s an investment, collect what you love. I think the same holds true of blogging. A fair amount of my archive is related to avian health issues, flock management and the fundamentals of chicken keeping, but I’ve also written about the things that really interest me: art, natural remedies, super foods, upcycling, creative coop builds, genetics, pathology, the oddities, and stories about the folks that have chickens.
I’ve written about folks from all across Canada, the United States, England, The Netherlands, Vietnam and Greenland.
I’ve also formed partnerships with guest contributors to share their areas of expertise: DIY chicken wheelchairs, chicken diapers, house chickens, book reviews, roosters, raising chick-safe kids and case studies.
What continues to drive me on is to produce a body of work that I can be proud of and stand behind as science-based information that folks can trust. To that end, I have partnered with Dr Vicki Bowes, avian vet/pathologist with more than 35 years experience. Before we started working together I was stoked to read her feedback (as I wasn’t even aware she’d seen my site):
“I’m so impressed with your blog, it really rises above most others in the chicken world. You are always an inspiration for me.”
I feel like I got the seal of approval from a professional that I hold in high esteem. We’ve since gone on to partner on a series of avian pathology cases, posting more than 150 stories of chicken health issues, as well as fecal float testing and tailgate necropsies.
Whenever I need an expert opinion on a chicken issue Dr Bowes is my trusted go-to for accurate information, which I can then share with my readers.
Other feedback includes:
“This is by far the coolest website I’ve ever come across regarding the health conditions of chickens.” – Seleta Nothnagel, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Pathology Department at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
“I just ran across your blog this afternoon and an hour later, I’m still here! I’m amazed at your prodigious output of high quality content. I am in awe of the breadth of the chicken-related stuff you cover and appreciate your dedication to researching the real scoop on a particular subject rather than trotting out the same old misinformation that is so prevalent on the internet.” – Randy Graham, Retired Microbiologist & Chicken Blogger
Your post was “well said and well researched. There is not much (accurate) information out there on treating chicken pain and the need for anesthesia for painful procedures. Thank you for that. I look forward to reading the rest of your blog!” – Dr Keri Jones, DVM, CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner)
“I came across your website via looking at fascinating and scary chicken mucocele photos. I spent some time perusing your blog. Your writing and photos are great! Reading your site is a superb reminder of the best service medical professionals can provide: educating clients about how to take care of themselves or their critters.” – Dr Jeff Parke, Retired Vet, Waiheke Island, NZ
“You’re killin’ it! Congratulations! I’ve gotta say, there really aren’t any other blogs that hold a candle to the level of research and accuracy you maintain in yours.” – Sara Franklin of Roovolution and Rooster Allies
“I love the posts here. I was like….what? No way! Someone who really sees chickens for what they are. I have to say my heart felt good finding this site. It’s so rare to find people who have the same love and respect for these fabulous birds. – Mary Lapara
I have to give a big shout out to Alicia who recently stumbled across Bitchin’ Chickens in her quest for information before getting birds. She appears to have fallen down a deep rabbit hole, spending hours scouring through my archive. That became apparent when, in just a few days, she’s managed to leave more than 80 comments – a feat which has catapulted her to my #1 Fan Girl spot! I appreciate all her dedication and insights, but also acknowledge that smaller displays of recognition also mean a lot to me.
I’d be stoked if you’d click the ‘follow’ button on my homepage. My next ask is to leave some feedback so I know who’s out there and how my work has impacted you: a like or a comment would be great. Sharing my site to other chicken keepers would be a bonus.
I’m hoping that it won’t take nearly as long to reach the second million as it did the first. In the interim, Bitchin’ Chickens will be my ‘happy place’ and I’ll continue to produce material on a wide range of issues.
I am happy to chat with folks about any aspect of chicken care or pass on a query to Dr Bowes. I’m also open to suggestions, offers from potential guest contributors, or submissions of photos or stories. Feel free to drop me a line using the ‘contact’ button on my homepage. Cheers and thanks for your continued support!
Bitchin' Chickens 
You are an inspiration to us all! Thank you!
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I love this blog, even though I don’t have chickens! I wanted to at one time, but reading about what is really involved in it, I decided I would be a distracted chicken mom. Now I just read with an interest in general chicken-ness, and keep you in my back pocket to suggest to people I meet that do have chickens!
Plus, your writing is awesome!
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Thanks for the feedback. I’m surprised (but delighted) to see the number of non-chicken keepers here.
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I wrote the story about Star the broody criminal chicken. I now have a small urban quail business. Any interest in my experience raising quail? I don’t think I can make it humorous as it’s mostly dirty work. Lol
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I would totally be open to you writing a post on keeping quail. Send me an email and we can chat. Thanks!
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I live in an apartment and never had a thought about chickens until a friend of a friend of yours forwarded your blog to me. Hooked! Immediately! For me it is as much about the dedicated humans as it is about the chickens themselves. Their diligent, devoted chicken love and (the big surprise) their chickens loving them right back! Also love the humor and seeing all the creative and artistic things owners do for their birds. My post mistress and friends always get a laugh when I send mail because I print out the funny memes and paste them somewhere on the package or envelope. Thank you for a wonderful blog.
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I love the idea of my memes traveling to other places and people.
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Claire, I’m blushing. I cannot believe you mentioned me here! Thank you so much.
I’m very grateful to you for dedicating yourself to this blog with all of the other things you have going on in your life. You have helped me so much already and I’ve only been around a few days. I cannot imagine the impact you’ve had on all of the others who read this site. Not to mention, all of the folks in your local community who you have assisted in so many areas of chicken keeping!
The truth is, I’ve been wanting chickens for about 10 years. Ever since we decided to move out to the country in order to be closer to my husband’s elderly parents. They needed us more than I realized and I became a full time caregiver. Because of that, I haven’t felt that I had the time to invest in keeping chickens properly. Now that my in laws are both gone, I have my life back & my chicken dream is about to come true !
I’m so glad I stumbled across your site. I have truly enjoyed the variety of topics you discuss. The focus on research based FACTS is something other content creators are sorely lacking, in my opinion. Also, the sheer amount of information available here is incredible ! I particularly enjoy the coop tours, the stories on art, discussion of diseases and the emphasis on using what would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I truly feel I’ve found a chicken keeping home here. I have shared your blog with a couple of people. I hope they’ll stop by & decide to stick around for a while as I have.
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I don’t think anyone has read as many of my posts as you have and certainly no one has made as many comments. Your dedication is appreciated.
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Awww, I truly enjoy your work. I want you to know that it’s appreciated. I imagine it takes a lot of courage to share so much of yourself & your life with the world.
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Thanks for acknowledging that. I do feel like I’ve put a lot of myself into my work which is on public display. I think that one of the things that sets my blog apart from others is I really do have a strong point of view that guides my life and my work here.
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You’re welcome. Stick to your guns! I can see the integrity in your work. If others can’t, it’s their failing, not yours.
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There seems to be a backlash against ‘facts’ and ‘science’ in some quarters. My partnership with Dr Bowes has reinforced I’m on the right track.
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Oh yes, people seen to be more concerned with their feelings nowadays.
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Claire, I love this site of useful information, humor, and yes sometimes sadness in the well written stories and articles. Colorful Photos call you to reach out and touch or take a step into the chicken world. Your patience is unbelievable. Congratulations on 1 million views! I hope by this time next year it’s 3! Be Blessed!
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Thanks for the words of encouragement!
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