Vice President JD Vance has brought a touch of rural charm to the U.S. Naval Observatory by adding a chicken coop to his residence. The coop, which houses a dozen baby chicks, is designed to resemble the Victorian architecture of the vice president’s home. This addition highlights a growing trend of backyard chickens in American households, with a 2025 survey noting that 11 million U.S. households now keep chickens.
Community Engagement and Educational Opportunities
The coop was donated by Carolina Coops, a North Carolina-based company known for its premium chicken coops. The company’s owner, Matthew DuBoise, expressed pride in contributing to a place of historical significance. The project was completed without the use of taxpayer money, according to sources familiar with the initiative.
To celebrate the new addition, the residence hosted a family event where local 4-H students educated other children about the coop and its inhabitants. This event underscores the educational opportunities and community engagement that can arise from such projects.
A Personal Touch from Vice President Vance
Vice President Vance, who has previously spoken about the high cost of eggs as an indicator of inflation, has taken a personal interest in the coop. On the campaign trail in 2024, he humorously mentioned the number of eggs his sons consume daily, highlighting the practical benefits of having a personal supply of fresh eggs.
DuBoise and his team designed the coop to match the 19th-century residence’s aesthetic, complete with a round turret and green trim. The Vance family personally selected the 12 chicks to start their flock, adding a personal touch to the project. DuBoise described the experience as an ‘American dream’ moment for his business, noting the vice president’s enthusiasm upon seeing the coop for the first time.
This initiative by Vice President Vance not only reflects a personal interest in self-sufficiency but also aligns with a broader national trend, as more Americans embrace backyard farming as part of their lifestyle.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
