Nourishing Chickens Naturally

Handcrafted recipes blending wholesome ingredients and herbal wisdom for happy, healthy hens.

Welcome to Biddy Barn—a small, family-run homestead tucked deep in the Pineywoods of Southeast Texas.

My husband and I live on about nine acres in a very small rural community, where we raise and breed a variety of purebred chickens. Since 2020, our family has sold chicks and hatching eggs locally through nearby livestock auctions, serving our neighbors and fellow backyard chicken keepers. What began as a simple homestead life slowly grew into something much more meaningful.

My son calls our chicken coops "Mom's Happy Place."

And honestly, he's not wrong.

After a long day, you'll usually find me sitting quietly with the flock—talking to them, observing them, and watching their personalities unfold. Chickens are my relaxation and my therapy. They've also been a wonderful teacher for our family. Through daily chicken chores, my son has learned responsibility, routine, and the pride of earning income from our small family business. Biddy Barn is something we truly do together.

Where the recipes began

I've always been fascinated by herbs and natural ingredients and how they support wellness—both for people and animals. While I loved giving my chickens treats, I was frustrated by the lack of variety and the disappointing ingredient lists in commercial products. Everything felt the same. Nothing felt especially thoughtful.

So I started researching—something I love to do. I'm a librarian by profession, and research is second nature to me. I began learning which herbs, seeds, and natural ingredients were safe and beneficial for chickens, starting with simple feed toppers made from dried herbs, seeds, and mealworms.

When I saw real results—especially during hard molts, when my chickens began regrowing soft, glossy feathers—I knew I was onto something. But I also noticed something else: my chickens would pick through loose treats, eating only what they liked and wasting the rest.

That's when everything changed.

Why solid treats changed the game

I started experimenting with baked and molded solid treats—and the difference was immediate. Instead of scattered ingredients across the run, my chickens were getting complete, balanced nutrition in every bite. No picking. No waste. Just pure enjoyment and real health benefits.

Here's what I discovered solid treats do that loose mixes simply can't:

Every bite delivers balanced nutrition. When treats are molded or baked together, chickens can't pick out just the tastiest bits. They get the immune-boosting herbs, the protein-rich seeds, the mineral-dense greens—all in one bite.

They last longer and stay fresh. Solid treats are shelf-stable, heat-tolerant, and perfect for summer coops, farmers' market booths, or shipping to friends. No refrigeration needed.

Chickens are entertained longer. A solid treat becomes an engaging activity. They peck, scratch, and work for their food—just like they would in nature. It's enrichment and nutrition combined.

They look beautiful. Let's be honest—there's something deeply satisfying about offering your flock a gorgeous, bakery-style treat instead of a handful of crumbles. And if you're selling at a farmers' market, beautiful treats sell.

They're practical for real life. Whether you're a busy parent, a homeschooler looking for a meaningful project, or a small-scale vendor building a product line, solid treats are easier to store, package, and gift than loose mixes.

That curiosity naturally grew into the recipes I share today. It was never meant to be a business at first. It was simply something I loved doing for my chickens.

A special heart for delicate breeds

Our flock includes both hardy and fancy breeds, and I have a special soft spot for silkies, whose immune systems can be more delicate. That only strengthened my desire to create gentle, nourishing options that support chicken health without unnecessary fillers, artificial ingredients, or guesswork.

The Hen Tea Party

The idea for chicken tea came to me on a hot Texas summer day while thinking of ways to help the flock stay hydrated and cool. I decided to try it—and my chickens' enthusiastic reaction was unforgettable. I was hooked.

The Hen Tea Party idea followed naturally. I'm a mother of five, a grandmother of four, and I've spent my entire adult life working with children—as a daycare owner, an elementary school computer teacher, and now a children's librarian. I also work closely with homeschooling families in my community. Children, learning, and hands-on life skills are incredibly important to me.

What started as a fun treat turned into a meaningful family activity, then into a homeschool lesson, and finally into a set of digital recipes that others could enjoy too—whether as a hobby, a homeschool project, or even a product to sell at a farmers' market.

How I create and test my recipes

Every recipe I share is created with chicken health first—always. I spend a great deal of time simply observing my flock. I know their personalities, preferences, and behaviors well enough to tell immediately what they love and what they don't. Chickens will let you know.

Each recipe is:

• Tested in my own kitchen with my own hands and my own chickens

• Researched thoroughly for ingredient safety and benefits (librarian habits die hard!)

• Designed for real life—beginner-friendly instructions, common ingredients, no complicated techniques

• Shelf-stable and practical—these treats can handle summer heat, shipping, and farmers' market tables

• Explained clearly—you'll know exactly what each ingredient does and why it's included

Ingredient transparency matters deeply to me. I research each ingredient carefully and explain it clearly, so you can feel confident about what you're giving your flock. And because no one benefits from recipes that are overly complicated, everything is written with beginner-friendly instructions in mind. If it's not practical and enjoyable to make, it doesn't belong here.

Who Biddy Barn Bakery is for

Biddy Barn Bakery, the new digital branch of Biddy Barn, was created first and foremost for backyard chicken keepers—just like me.

If you see your chickens as pets, companions, and part of your family, you're in the right place. We spoil our chickens just like dog parents and cat parents spoil their pets—because chickens are smart, social, and capable of bonding with us too.

Whether you're:

• A backyard chicken keeper who wants the best for your flock

• A fancy pet chicken owner with silkies, seramas, or other special breeds

• A homeschooling family looking for a hands-on life skills project that teaches responsibility and entrepreneurship

• A homesteader growing your own herbs, berries, and vegetables (that you can use in these recipes!)

• Or someone searching for wholesome, homemade products to sell at a farmers' market

...you're welcome here.

You don't even need to own chickens! These recipes make wonderful gifts for chicken-keeping friends, or you can start your own small treat business and sell to your local chicken community.

You don't need to have kids to enjoy these recipes—but if you do, I hope they become a way to slow down, learn together, and make meaningful memories alongside your flock.

Looking ahead

Biddy Barn will always remain a small, family-centered homestead business. Alongside breeding and selling quality chicks locally, I'm excited to continue growing this digital branch—Biddy Barn Bakery—with more recipes, guides, and educational resources. Books are my livelihood, and one day I hope to write at least one complete chicken treats and teas cookbook. I may also expand into homeschool materials, market resources, or even courses.

But for now, I'm just grateful you're here.

If you're ready to spoil your chickens with safe, healthy treats that deliver complete nutrition in every bite—and turn everyday care into something a little more special—I invite you to explore the Biddy Barn Bakery recipes and guides.

Whether you're baking with your kids, teaching a homeschool lesson, building a product line for your farmers' market booth, or simply enjoying quiet time with your flock, I hope these recipes bring joy to your coop and your family—just like they have to mine.

With love from the coop,
Tami
Biddy Barn Bakery
Deep in the Pineywoods of Southeast Texas