4/25/26 - OUTDOOR LIVING HOUR! Clucking With Chickens In The Desert!

In this episode of Rosie on the House, host Rosie welcomes Farmer Greg and his guests Ashley McClure and Scott Brown from Phoenix Organic Feed for a deep dive into keeping chickens in the desert climate of Arizona. The conversation covers everything from the practicalities of raising chicks—such as brooding with heat lamps and predator-proof coops—to breed selection, egg production, and managing extreme heat with water bowls, misters, and frozen treats. The hosts passionately advocate for backyard chickens as a sustainable, resilient food source, emphasizing their dual role as egg layers, pest controllers, and companions. They also discuss the cultural and emotional connection to chickens, including roosters as protectors and older hens as foragers. The episode concludes with a detailed look at Phoenix Organic Feed’s grassroots model, which enables affordable, organic feed distribution through community bulk orders every two months, serving over 3,000 subscribers across Metro Phoenix and the Verde Valley. The episode blends practical advice with heartfelt storytelling, celebrating chickens as both functional livestock and beloved family members. Key takeaways include: 1) Chickens thrive in the desert with proper heat management and shade; 2) Use organic, high-protein feed tailored to life stages for optimal egg production; 3) Build a predator-proof coop with elevated roosts and secure fencing; 4) Consider breeds like the Well Summer for a balance of dark brown eggs and strong laying performance; 5) Join community feed co-ops like Phoenix Organic Feed for cost-effective, sustainable sourcing; 6) Older hens are excellent foragers and should be kept for their wisdom and utility; 7) Use the water float test to check egg freshness; 8) Embrace the noise and joy of chickens—roosters crow 24/7, but their presence is part of the charm. The overall tone is enthusiastic, educational, and deeply positive about the joys and resilience of backyard chicken keeping.