Real flock experience and honest advice from a lifelong chicken keeper.

My name is Amy Schmelter, and I started Chicken Homestead to share the practical, hard-won lessons that make raising a healthy flock easier. Having kept backyard chickens since childhood, I know firsthand that most chicken information online is either too thin to be useful or buried in long stories before it gets to the actual answer.

Today, I raise a large flock at my home in Florida. Before turning my focus to poultry, I was an experienced animal breeder who spent years raising dogs. Through those years of breeding and raising animals, I learned that keeping animals healthy comes down to consistent, practical routines—and that is exactly the kind of care I share here.

What I cover

I focus on the things that matter to backyard keepers: coops and predator-proofing, breed selection, feed and water, egg laying, common health issues, and the daily routines that keep a flock thriving. This site is a focused, honest resource for what actually works, not a recipe index or general livestock encyclopedia.

How I write

Every guide on this site is short enough to read in one sitting and specific enough to act on. I won’t pad articles with filler to chase word counts. If I don’t have a strong opinion on something, I’ll say so directly.

Who it’s for

Beginners who want a clear starting point, and experienced keepers who want quick reference material that respects their time.