Chicken Whisperer Magazine Evolves

My husband loves his John Deere tractor. I love my weed-puller tool for the garden. Yet the chickens always come first on our homestead before any work is done. What is it about chickens that I love so much? Chickens tune into the natural cycles of each season; they adapt to the weather and the changing light much better than I do!

I’ve been a professional blogger, journalist and certified vet technician for over 10 years. My friends and neighbors call me a rural-kitchen witch. I live in the Columbia Gorge in southwest Washington with two hounds and two flocks of chickens. As senior editor of Chicken Whisperer Magazine (and AcreageLife), I aim to educate chicken keepers about the ups and downs of owning a flock, and how to store, prepare and cook fresh eggs. I’m obsessed with the history of chickens, poultry health and wellness, egg facts and making quiche for brunch.

My journey from a health-conscious master gardener and backyard chicken keeper to a full-time poultry hobbyist has been a rich tapestry of unexpected turns and valuable lessons. After graduating from Portland Community College as a certified veterinary technician in 2012, I became a writer and storyteller, opening new avenues to share my animal health and wellness knowledge. The Dog Writers Association of America has recognized my dedication to this field with two awards, and many respected publications have featured my wellness-focused articles.

As a passionate chicken keeper, I offer a unique perspective that blends my professional veterinary expertise with the joys and challenges of keeping chickens. This intersection of roles allows me to share informed and relatable insights with this important community.

My experience as a master gardener has enriched my chicken keeping by allowing me to integrate sustainable gardening practices with poultry care, ensuring a healthier environment for my two flocks of chickens and two roosters.

I strive to feed off Andy G. Schneider’s, The Chicken Whisperer, vision for this epic publication. The content in this and future issues embraces what he created and curated 10 years ago.

Thank you, Andy, for a decade of content that made us all savvier (and better-educated) backyard chicken keepers. Our readers can continue to expect the same standard of science-based, fact-based, and study-based information that has been the hallmark of our publication.

With this legacy in mind, I often remind myself of the saying that chickens (and dogs) are like potato chips — you can never have just one! Chickens have been a part of human civilization for centuries, providing sustenance but also entertainment, and their lessons are indeed endless. With great enthusiasm, I look forward to continuing this learning journey alongside you and uncovering the boundless insights and joys these feathered friends have to offer.