By Premo Guard | Featuring Tracy Reed of Chick Flick Hobby Farm
Raising chickens can be one of the most rewarding hobbies for backyard farmers, but it is also a craft that takes patience, preparation, and passion. Few people embody that balance better than Tracy Reed (@chickflickhobbyfarm)
Her farm, a family legacy dating back to 1853, has evolved into both a working homestead and a place of personal healing. In this special interview, Tracy shares her wisdom, from beginner essentials to winter survival strategies, drawn from years of hands-on experience and love for her flock.
Meet Tracy Reed
“Our farm, a cherished family legacy since 1853, has been lovingly passed down through the generations. When we assumed responsibility for our portion of the farm, we were eager to introduce chickens. This decision was not only a practical one but also a deeply personal one, as I was grappling with PTSD at the time. The therapeutic potential of raising chickens was not widely known, but my deeply personal healing journey began, and here we are today.”
Now, Tracy uses her knowledge to guide others and post informative content on her social media platforms.
Q&A with Tracy Reed
Q: What makes your flock unique?
“I enjoy observing and studying our flock's behaviors and unique personalities. The flock gets to live out their life here on the farm as naturally as I can allow and keep them safe. We have taken in several rescues over the years, providing them with a safer environment, even for the older hens getting to live out a happy retirement.”
Her diverse flock includes Cochins, Brahmas, Marans, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire Reds, Plymouths, Australorps, Leghorns, Ameraucanas, Polish, and even custom crossbreed Easter Eggers. This variety, she explains, keeps the ecosystem balanced with breeds that naturally brood and hatch chicks, saving time and effort.
Tracy’s Tips for New Chicken Keepers
1. Start with Education.
“Create your own library of poultry and herbal books,” Tracy says. Understanding nutrition, behavior, and basic health care forms the foundation of success.
2. Keep a Journal.
Tracking your flock’s health, habits, and changes helps spot patterns and guide future care.
3. Respect ‘Chicken Math.’
“It is not a funny joke; it is real,” she laughs. “Never underestimate a broody hen’s survival mechanism that ensures the continuation of the species.”
Q: What are the most expensive mistakes beginners make?
“Failing to secure the coop against predators, even a hole the size of a quarter, can cost you the whole flock in one night. Patching holes or keeping an electrical fence line around the run can help deter predators.”
She adds that overusing supplements is another pitfall. “Generally, a free-range flock will find the plants they need that support their immune system.”
And finally, she warns about the “fine line” between gardening and free-ranging. “Chickens are natural foragers and love to scratch and peck. This can lead to the loss of many seedlings and vegetables. I recommend fencing or designated areas to prevent that.”
The Winterizing Playbook
When temperatures drop suddenly, Tracy shifts into what she calls “coop crisis mode.”
“Coop inspections are important to start in early fall. Full cleaning before bad weather sets in. Have coop bedding, nesting materials, and roosting bars ready.”
She also suggests repairing any holes or drafts with safe, nontoxic materials like scrap wood or old feed bags, and inspecting all heated waterers and heat sources before the cold arrives.
Her favorite quick fixes?
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Horse bedding pellets to prevent mud.
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Clear tarps or greenhouse panels to create dry spaces.
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Cracked corn and hulled oats as a warming bedtime treat.
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A handheld staple gun for emergency repairs.
Most people skip: proper ventilation.
“If a draft is present, snow and moisture can get in, leading to frostbite on combs, wattles, and feet. Keep one covered window for airflow, but never let water enter the coop.”
Hemp or Pine? The Bedding Breakdown
“Both are beneficial bedding,” Tracy explains. “The tough decision is how expensive or difficult it is to find hemp. Hemp used in the deep litter method can last all winter and reduce odor. Pine shavings are also reliable and easy to top off.”
Come spring, she composts both into rich soil for her garden.
Managing the Pecking Order
A calm coop is a productive coop. Tracy stresses that keepers must monitor flock dynamics nightly.
“The pecking order can lead to injuries and stress. You can often fix it by adding roosting areas, more feeders, or hiding spots for lower-ranking hens. If needed, isolate the bully to reset the hierarchy—but know that can take weeks.”
Tracy’s Favorite DIY Dust Bath
When winter freezes the ground, Tracy’s flock still gets their spa time.
“Peat moss and wood ashes! Your chickens will love you for it. Peat moss prevents mud, and wood ash soothes the skin while offering antibacterial and antifungal benefits."
Tracy’s approach to flock care mirrors what we believe at Premo Guard, keep it natural. From securing the coop to choosing safe products for everyday use, her advice comes down to trust and attention. Healthy chickens are the result of steady habits and clean environments, and that is exactly where natural solutions make the difference. It is why we make what we make to support keepers like Tracy who do it right.
Check out Tracy on her socials linked here.
And check out Premo guard Poultry Spray.
