From Kindergarten Teacher to Chicken Whisperer 🐔🐣

If you had told Ohioan Nikki Husted twenty years ago that she’d one day be an internet-famous chicken expert with more than half a million followers hanging on her every poultry-related tip, she probably would have laughed. But life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns—especially when chickens are involved.

It all began in 2006 when a retiring teacher at the kindergarten where Nikki was teaching introduced her to the art of hatching chicks. What began as a simple, hands-on experience for the benefit of her students quickly turned into a lifelong passion, and today, Nikki isn’t just raising chickens—she’s teaching people all over the world how to do it the right way.

From Pandemic Hobby to Chicken Guru

Like many unexpected success stories, Nikki’s rise to fame started as a fluke. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she, like many others, found herself at home, restless and looking for something to do. Already a natural teacher, she began sharing her chicken-keeping knowledge on social media—just for fun. What she didn’t expect was how quickly people would latch onto her advice.

“A year in, I realized people were really listening,” she says. “It wasn’t immediate, but after a while, I saw a shift—people weren’t just watching my videos; they were actually changing how they cared for their chickens.”

That shift has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Through her content, Nikki has helped countless chicken owners see their flocks as more than just egg-producing backyard pets. “Chickens have feelings too,” she says. “A lot of people didn’t have permission before to think of them that way. It’s an honor to be a part of changing that mindset.”

Writing the Book on Chickens—Literally

Nikki had always dreamed of writing a children’s book, but when a publisher approached her with the idea of writing a guide to backyard chickens, she jumped at the opportunity. The book-writing process came naturally, and a silver lining of tearing ligaments in her ankle meant she had the time to finish it even earlier than planned.

Her book is now a go-to resource for aspiring chicken keepers, covering everything from coop setup to common mistakes to avoid. And she’s not stopping there—Nikki has partnered with industry experts to develop specialized chicken-keeping products, further cementing her status as a trusted voice in the community.

The Reality of Raising Chickens

One of the biggest misconceptions Nikki encounters? The idea that keeping chickens is an easy, cost-effective way to get free eggs. “It’s not cheap,” she laughs. “People don’t realize how costly and difficult it can be, and a lot of them quit once they do.”

Her number one tip for first-time chicken owners? “Build your coop bigger than you think you need. Chickens lay well for about two years, and then you need new chicks. Suddenly, your flock goes from six to fifty.” Also—make sure you have the coop before you bring home those adorable little chicks. “Six weeks flies by, and then suddenly you need a place for them!”

Life with the Flock

For Nikki, raising chickens isn’t just about fresh eggs—it’s a lifestyle. It’s made her more aware of where food comes from, sparked an interest in homesteading, and even influenced the way she looks at sustainability.

Her daily routine with the flock is a well-oiled machine: morning chores include checking the automatic door, filling feeders and waterers, scraping the “s#!t shelf,” and keeping everything clean with specialized products to reduce flies and smell. Evening chores are much the same—routine, efficient, and designed with experience.

Of course, not every part of chicken keeping is glamorous. Just ask Nikki’s husband, who once ended up in the hospital after their rooster, Big Mike, attacked him. “He cornered it to try to catch him and it spurred him,” she says. “By 4 AM, he couldn’t walk. The infection went straight to his tendon.” Lesson learned—roosters don’t mess around.

Chickens with Personality

If you think chickens are just mindless barnyard animals, Nikki will quickly prove you wrong. Her birds have distinct personalities—some sweet, some feisty, and some downright psychotic. Take Raven, for example, a chicken that used to perch on Nikki’s shoulder and follow her everywhere. When Raven passed, Nikki got another chicken of the same breed and named her Raven 2.0—only to discover this one had a completely different personality. “Raven 2.0 is psychotic,” she laughs. “She has her own agenda.”

Then there’s CiCi, the one chicken who needs to be hand-fed and comes when called. “She’s the princess of the flock,” Nikki says. “And they all know it.”

Proudly Ohioan

Nikki’s rise to fame might be global, but she’s an Ohioan through and through. Here in the heartland, we appreciate hard work, authenticity, and a good old-fashioned DIY spirit—exactly the kind of values Nikki embodies. Ohio is home to some of the most down-to-earth, salt-of-the-earth people you’ll ever meet, and Nikki is a perfect example of that. 

Nikki has always had a natural gift for connecting with animals. Back in high school, she even kept a few baby mice she rescued in her locker while she bottle fed them back to full health (and managed to keep anyone from finding out!!) proving that her love for caring for creatures has been with her long before her chicken-keeping journey began.

Whether it’s sharing her hard-earned wisdom, rolling up her sleeves to do the work, or helping others get started, she’s proof that great things (and great chicken keepers) come from Ohio. 😍

A Future Full of Feathers

Despite her massive following, successful book, and growing presence in the industry, Nikki is still just a down-to-earth teacher at heart who really, really loves chickens. She’s proof that passion, authenticity, and a little bit of pandemic boredom can turn into something truly life-changing.

So, what’s next for Nikki? More teaching, more chickens, and probably more surprise viral moments. One thing’s for sure—whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just thinking about starting your first flock, Nikki Husted is the one to follow.

Follow Nikki for more:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/purelychickens
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@purelychickens
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiv5emmOUaF3yQLeUTtDbtA
Website: https://purelychickens.com/
Book: https://amzn.to/4liFhpa