Have you ever taken a risk and tried something new? That’s exactly what I did when I started working for an organic, non-GMO chicken feed company called Scratch and Peck.
Hi, I’m Talia, and for the last six months, I’ve been a Social Media Intern at Scratch & Peck Feeds. Growing up in Seattle, I didn’t spend much time around animals that weren’t house pets, and I certainly didn’t have any experience with chickens or farming. So, I was understandably nervous to begin my new role at a chicken feed company.
However, taking a risk has paid off enormously, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing experience I’ve gained from stepping out of my comfort zone.
Anybirdy Can Become a Chicken Expert
The best way to learn is by doing, and I’ve been lucky to get lots of hands-on experience with chickens and chicken feed! I’ve gained an incredible amount of knowledge about chickens through the videos and posts I’ve made for Scratch and Peck’s Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
In the past seven months, I’ve learned:
- Why chickens need calcium and grit
- The power of grubs
- How to ferment feed and sprout grains
- How to make herbal tea and oatmeal for chickens
- Which foods chicken shouldn’t eat
- The best cold hardy chicken breeds
- How to winterize your coop
- And so much more!
Going the Egg-stra Mile for Organic Feed
During my time at Scratch & Peck I’ve seen how essential regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming techniques are. I understand now why people go the extra mile for organic feed. Although I had a lot to learn, I immediately connected with Scratch and Peck’s three pillars:
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Healthy Eating
- Animal Welfare.
As I learned about each of these pillars and how they connected to each other, I also learned the true meaning of the phrase “You are what your animals eat”.
During my first week of work, I watched The Biggest Little Farm, a movie that follows a couple on their journey to develop a sustainable farm out of 200 acres of desolate land. It’s a beautiful demonstration of the balance between agriculture and nature, and it served as my introduction to regenerative agriculture concepts.
Seeing the connection between the plants, animals, and humans in The Biggest Little Farm made me realize that healthy eating begins with healthy animals and land. Organically grown, non-GMO ingredients go into our chicken feed, which in turn is eaten by our chickens, and eventually consumed by us through the eggs we eat. That’s why it’s so important for every step of the process to benefit our planet, our animals, and us!
Gaining a New Res-peck-t for Farmers and Homesteaders
When I first started working at Scratch and Peck, I felt like an outsider. I was worried that I had less knowledge and experience than the people I worked with. However, I quickly learned that backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and farmers are some of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met.
Built around a shared mission and values, Scratch and Peck has a truly incredible community of people who genuinely care about each other and the work they do. Its unmatched work environment is aided by partnerships with inspiring farmers, support from loyal customers, and collaboration with imaginative creators.
I’m so thankful for this amazing community that I’ve grown to be a part of, for teaching me that our actions matter, that each of us has the power to make a difference, and that everything is connected.
-Talia, Scratch and Peck Social Media Intern
