We always try to have as many recycled materials as possible. And I want the coops to be safe for kids, number one. And I want the chickens to be comfortable. I want them to have access to the grass while being inside the coop. And I want it to be easily movable, light weight."
Mr. Phillips says the chicken coop rental business came from his love of animals. He grew up on his parents' farm, near Washington, DC.
The Horsts hope their farm teaches their daughter to be caring and responsible. "I don't think we've ever thanks where food comes from. But whenever we pick up the eggs we always say, 'thank you, ladies.' That's really something that is hard to teach other than having an animal in your backyard that delivers food to you. So it's been a great learning opportunity for my daughter, too." Says Naomi Hurst.