Life lessons from the coop: What chickens teach us about ourselves

I’ve spent years watching chickens – and I can tell you, they know a thing or two about life. They’re expressive, opinionated, and endlessly entertaining.

My illustrated book, Chickenisms: The Art of the Pecking Order, was born from that fascination. What started as doodles and punny phrases in my sketchbook became a series of life lessons about identity, humor, and the fine art of finding joy in chaos.

At first glance, chickens might seem like simple creatures, but spend enough time in the coop and you’ll see it’s a mirror of the human world, just with more feathers. Every chicken has a personality, a hierarchy, and a story to tell. And somewhere among the clucks and the squawks, there’s wisdom.

1. There’s always a pecking order – but don’t let it define you
Anyone who’s ever watched a flock knows there’s a natural order to things. Some lead, some follow, and some just strut around pretending to be in charge. Sound familiar? The trick, in both the coop and life, is not to let the “order” dictate your worth. Chickens squabble and settle, then move on – no grudges, just back to scratching in the dirt. Maybe we could all use a little bit of that energy.

2. Look for your sunny spot
Chickens are masters of self-care. They’ll spend hours sunbathing in the perfect patch of light, wings spread wide, eyes half-closed in bliss. They don’t apologize for rest or joy, they know when to slow down. In a world that glorifies hustle, maybe the most radical thing we can do is sit in the sunshine and just be.

3. Don’t be afraid to ruffle a few feathers
Creativity (and life) require a little disruption. My art, whether a resin painting or a quirky chicken drawing, often starts with a mess. So do breakthroughs. Chickens aren’t afraid to flap, squawk, and stir things up to make space for themselves. Neither should we.

4. Find your flock
Even the most independent hen needs her community. Chickens thrive in groups, relying on one another for warmth, safety, and companionship. Humans are no different. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not pluck you bare.

5. Laugh often (especially at yourself)
Humor is healing. It’s why I created Chickenisms in the first place: to remind us not to take life – or ourselves – too seriously. A good laugh, like a good cluck, releases tension, connects us, and brings us back to center.

In the end, life in the coop isn’t that different from life outside it. There’s drama, noise, pecking orders, and plenty of mess. But there’s also light, laughter, and community. The chickens show me daily that joy doesn’t just happen – it’s chosen.

So the next time life feels chaotic, remember to flap your wings, shake off the dust, and go find your patch of sun.