Farm and ranch retailer Tractor Supply Company is kicking off “Chick
Days” nationwide this week with a focus on powering backyard farmers and
the fast-growing self-reliance movement.
Robyn Kevlin, of Nashville, Tenn., has been raising six hens in her backyard since 2012. (Photo: Business Wire)
Chick Days, a springtime event featuring live baby chicks and ducklings
at most Tractor Supply stores, has traditionally attracted farm families
and hobby farmers looking to replenish their flocks, according to Marc
Johnson, divisional vice president of merchandising at Tractor Supply.
With demand for backyard chickens spreading, a new breed of chicken
owner is joining farmers and ranchers in raising poultry.
“As everyday Americans from rural towns, suburbs and city neighborhoods
look for ways to eat healthier, great-tasting food and live a more
self-reliant lifestyle, they've turned to raising backyard chickens,”
Johnson said. “Chickens play an important role in sustainable living and
provide families a safe, reliable source of delicious food.”
Living and eating on your own terms is a key benefit, says Robyn Kevlin,
of Nashville, Tenn., who started raising six hens in her backyard in
2012.
“Backyard hens are a way to control what goes into your food,
literally,” Kevlin said. “Part of raising chickens is knowing where your
food came from and knowing the animals were treated fairly, and some of
it is the fact that it is such good food.”
Fresh eggs and free-range poultry is not the only benefit, says Shannon
Campbell of Ashland City, Tenn. Campbell says her flock plays an
important role in her family’s daily life, from teaching values and work
ethic to her five children to providing incredible compost for the
garden.
“One of the best things about the kids being around our chickens is they
get to enjoy the fruits of their labor almost instantly; they come out
here, they bring eggs in the house and we almost immediately crack them
and eat them,” Campbell said. “All of our food waste that the kids don’t
eat, we give that to the chickens and then anything else goes into the
compost so they get to see that whole cycle and actually be a part of it.
“And it’s something that we’re all doing together,” Campbell said.
Johnson says Tractor Supply stores stock all the items backyard chicken
farmers need, including starter kits, feeders, bedding, heat bulbs,
coops and more.
“The Tractor Supply team understands and shares our customer’s passion
when it comes to raising animals,” Johnson said. “Whether you’re an
experienced farmer or starting your first ever backyard brood of
chickens, Tractor Supply has the tools you need to raise happy and
healthy chicks.”
Find a nearby Chick Days event at TractorSupply.com/Chicks.
About Tractor Supply Company
At December 28, 2013, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,276 stores in 48
states. The company's stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle
needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The company also serves the
maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as
tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying
major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The company offers
the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: equine, pet and
small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care,
growth and containment; hardware, truck, towing and tool products;
seasonal products, including lawn and garden items, power equipment,
gifts and toys; maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; and
work/recreational clothing and footwear.
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