This contest is brought to you by Valley Hatchery
Win a $150 Valley Hatchery Gift Certificate
Ends April 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Raising chicks is about more than getting through the first few weeks. For many keepers, it is the start of the next chapter of their flock.
Those early days matter because they shape what comes later. Healthy routines, steady care, and thoughtful observation in the beginning often carry forward as chicks grow and settle into the flock you are building.
Even when setups look different, the goal is usually the same: raising birds that fit your space, your rhythm, and your plans for the season ahead.
As chicks settle in, many keepers start noticing:
- How quickly chicks adapt to their space
- Early signs of temperament and activity levels
- How daily care becomes more familiar and less hands-on
These early weeks are often when people begin thinking ahead. Where will these birds fit later? What role will they play in the flock? What adjustments might be needed as they grow?
Those questions are part of building a flock with intention rather than reacting as things come up.
If you want a deeper look at how early care connects to long-term flock success, including planning considerations for the season, we have shared a full guide here: Spring Flock Planning for Real Homesteads
If you're thinking longer term, upcoming hatch timing and availability are shared on their site as well. It's useful for planning the next stage of your flock with intention.
Let's see your favorite breeds!
We would love to see the breeds that stand out in your flock.
Share a photo of your favorite chicken breed in this thread, whether it's a longtime favorite, a recent addition, or a breed you always recommend to others. You're welcome to post a current photo or one from past seasons. Every flock looks different, and that's part of the fun.
One participant will receive a $150 Valley Hatchery Gift Certificate, which can be applied to a future order or an existing one.
How to enter
- Reply to this thread with one full-size original photo of your favorite breed
- Include the breed name
- Follow Valley Hatchery on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyHatchery or subscribe to our newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our webpage).
- Note: The winning photo may also be featured on our social media channels as part of the announcement
- Open to legal residents of the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), 18 years or older.
- One entry per member.
- The photo must have been taken by you.
- Entries will be accepted until April 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
- Valley Hatchery will select the winner.
- Gift certificate must be used by December 31, 2027
- Void where prohibited.
Oh, and by the way...
We try to be a steady, practical resource for chicken keepers, especially during hatch season. We regularly share chick-care reminders, seasonal planning notes, and real-world examples on our social channels. If that kind of guidance is helpful, you can find Valley Hatchery on Facebook and Instagram.
We'll be following along as photos come in and conversations unfold. Thanks for sharing your chicks here.
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