Is Your Homestead Plan Actually Working? How to Design, Set Up, and Raise Chickens Without the Beginner Mistakes That Cost You Everything

Raising chickens is often the first step in building a homestead, but one of the biggest beginner mistakes happens before the chicks ever arrive. In this episode, we talk about how to raise chickens and plan your homestead the right way — starting with proper design, setup, and timing. We walk through homestead planning for beginners, how to design a chicken setup that works long-term, and how to avoid wasting time and money by doing things out of order. Whether you’re raising chickens for eggs, planning to raise meat chickens, or learning how to start raising chickens for the first time, this episode covers the foundations that matter most. The BIG thing I wish I knew sooner: if your coop and setup are ready, you need to start looking at ordering chickens NOW. Hatcheries sell out quickly, especially in spring, and waiting too long can mean missing the entire season. We talk about why timing matters, how hatchery availability affects your homestead plan, and how ordering chicks early can save you months of frustration. I built a working homestead from scratch that now pays for itself. I started with a backyard flock and a dream and grew it into a 20-acre operation with over 4,000 birds, multiple livestock, and self-serve farm stands running year-round. We even completely rebuilt in a YEAR after a flood cam and wiped out everything from our flocks to our gardens.  All while raising four kids, staying present in my marriage, and keeping my relationship with Jesus at the center of every single decision. I am Tori Gass, a Christian homestead coach. God did not call me to keep this to myself. He called me to bring you with me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like listening to a friend who is passionate about something and actually knows what she is talking about." — Apple Podcasts This is the show for Christian women who are done dreaming and ready to build a real, sustainable, God-centered homestead. Each week you will learn how to: 🐓 Raise your first flock confidently without wasting money on rookie mistakes 🌱 Plan and grow a productive homestead garden your family eats from all season long 🏡 Create simple repeatable systems so your homestead runs without running you into the ground ✝️ Build something that honors God, strengthens your marriage, and involves your whole family 💰 Turn your homestead into something that actually sustains itself financially ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It feels like we were sitting down having a cup of coffee together. Breath of fresh air." — Apple Podcasts If you have been spinning your wheels, second-guessing every decision, or wondering why you cannot make progress no matter how much you research, you are in the right place. Over 10,000 families have already trusted me to help guide them on this journey. Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and top 10 in over 20 countries so you know God has led you here for a purpose!  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "She weaves faith and encouragement while sharing practical tips. Real advice you can actually use." — Apple Podcasts You were called to this. Let's build it together.