Chicken coop ideas include a camper-turned-coop at Lauren Pszczolkowski’s Merryweather Farm in East Haddam, Connecticut. Pszczolkowski’s family in Poland came from a farming background. “Hearing their stories and growing up around animals and gardens made farming feel like a natural fit for me,” she recalls. “Getting involved in 4-H at a young age only deepened that connection.”
Finding comfort in being able to rely on her land and provide for herself, Pszczolkowski’s farming venture includes a focus on producing fresh eggs and delights from the garden, plus a side angle in unearthing vintage goods.
Taking a minute away from daily duties, we spoke to Pszczolkowski about chicken coop ideas like turning campers into coops and succumbing to chicken math. We also learned how farming can offer respite from the modern fast-paced world.
Doing Chicken Math
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Chickens form a key part of Merryweather Farm—although Pszczolkowski didn’t originally plan on acquiring such a large flock. “At first I thought keeping a few chickens would be a fun hobby,” she says. “Little did I know, I’d fall victim to what they call chicken math—it’s a real phenomenon! I quickly became addicted.”
“I’m fascinated by the different breeds and the array of egg colors they produce,” adds Pszczolkowski. “Over the years, I’ve delved deep into the world of chickens, learning so much about them. Along the way, I’ve made a lot of friends and connections through various chicken connections.”
Call & Response Chicks
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When interacting with the peep, Pszczolkowski has come to utilize a special chicken call that she’s developed over time. “Sure, my neighbors might think I’m a bit crazy,” she says “but there’s something special about seeing them come running to me whenever I call.”
An Independent Mama
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When it comes to the stars of the Merryweather Farm flock, a chicken named Mama has emerged as a leading light and the inspiration for chicken coop ideas and vintage finds. “A friend of mine, knowing my love for vintage campers, made an awesome find—a vintage Shasta camper turned chicken coop!” recalls Pszczolkowski. “So a few years back, I ended up hauling home this sweet red camper along with a bunch of hens and that’s where I met Mama.”
Spotlighting Mama’s personality, Pszczolkowski says that the hen has her own chicken coop ideas with a fondness for laying eggs in unexpected places. “You’ll often catch her chilling on my porch ready to say hi to anyone passing by,” she adds. “Mama’s as independent as they come and that’s just part of what makes her so special.”
2024 Farm Goals
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Looking forward to the current year, Pszczolkowski says that her main goals for Merryweather Farm include bringing home a quarter horse named Felix and adding a three-stall barn to the property.
Additionally, introducing some goats and a mini-donkey to the farm has also been discussed, along with expanding a series of runs for rescue bunnies and guinea pigs. Finally, Pszczolkowski says that she intends to increase the farm stand aspect of Merryweather Farm and incorporate more farm days for the local community.
Respite From The Modern World
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When it comes to the most rewarding aspects of running a family farm, Pszczolkowski says that being able to offer a safe haven for animals in need brings her “immense joy.”
Pszczolkowski also says that it’s been fulfilling to watch her son grow up surrounded by animals and nature. “I believe it’s crucial to teach our children the value of simplicity and gratitude, especially in today’s fast-paced world,” she explains. “Our farm serves as a classroom for life lessons where we learn to appreciate the little things and cherish all that we have.”
Follow Merryweather Farm on Instagram.
This article about chicken coop ideas and Merryweather Farm was written for Hobby Farms magazine online. Click here to subscribe to Hobby Farms magazine in print.
