Feathers of change: An interview with Dalia from Chickenlandia
We’re thrilled to bring you insights from Dalia, the passionate founder of Chickenlandia, a haven that reveals the transformative power of chickens. Dalia shares her journey from city life to chicken keeping and how these feathered friends can enrich our lives beyond expectations.
Dalia, could you share what first drew you to chicken keeping?
“After moving from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest, I was searching for a simpler life, especially after my son was born. During a bout of postpartum depression, I decided on a whim, ‘Let’s get some chickens!’ Little did I know, this decision would completely change my trajectory. Chickens not only became a hobby but a deep passion.”
Your TEDx Talk, ‘I Dream of Chickens,’ has inspired many. Can you tell us how chickens have influenced your life personally?
“Honestly, they’ve been my healing grace. While I don’t claim they’re a cure for depression, engaging with them daily has been therapeutic. They offer a connection to nature that’s so grounding and necessary.”
What do you find most hopeful about chicken keeping?
“I think it’s the reconnection with our heritage and learning about our ancestors through something as simple as keeping chickens. This understanding fosters compassion and connectedness, not just with oneself but with others too.”
Any favourite anecdotes or chickens that stand out in your experience?
“Oh, every chicken is memorable! But I’m particularly fond of the smaller, fussier ones—they’re full of personality! Like Little Stinker, who once hid in the woods for a month until I lured her back with spaghetti. They’re such characters.”
With your platform expanding across YouTube, podcasts, and books, what message do you hope to spread?
“I want everyone to discover that chicken keeping isn’t just about learning from others; it’s about reconnecting with our innate instincts. My greatest success is when people tell me they’ve gained enough confidence to trust their own understanding of keeping chickens.”
Your journey has connected you with people across different walks of life. Can you expand on that?
“Chickens are incredible for breaking down barriers. Through them, I’ve met and bonded with people I might not have connected with otherwise. They are like a universal language, soothing differences and highlighting commonalities.”
Is there something about chickens that you wish more people understood?
“Most definitely. Chickens aren’t just backyard birds; they are closely tied to human history and survival, more so than many other animals. Their role is profound and deeply interwoven with our past.”
Lastly, how would you sum up why everyone should consider keeping chickens?
“If you’re seeking peace and joy, chicken keeping might just be your path. It’s transformed my life and given me harmony I hadn’t found elsewhere. I truly believe it can do the same for others.”
Dalia and her chickens
Dalia’s journey with Chickenlandia is more than just about chickens; it’s about crafting a life filled with joy, peace, and community, one chicken at a time. Through her story, we’re reminded of the simple yet powerful ways back to our roots, to nature, and to each other. Thank you, Dalia, for sharing such inspiring insights with us and our readers at Omlet.
This entry was posted in Chickens