Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Darrin.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From Backyard Hobbyist to Trusted Hatchery: The Story of Lazzzy D Farm
Nestled in Umatilla, Florida, Lazzzy D Farm is more than just a hatchery—it’s a dream driven by passion, resilience, and community. What began as a childhood love for chickens has grown into a thriving small business dedicated to providing healthy, NPIP & AI certified chicks and hatching eggs to families across the U.S.
I have always had entrepreneurial spirit. At age 12, I converted my sisters’ playhouse into a chicken coop. By 14, I was selling chicks at local farm swaps, laying the foundation for what would one day become Lazzzy D Farm.
The name Lazzzy D Farm began as a playful joke but has grown into a symbol of resilience. After selling our home to travel in a camper, my husband and I laughed about finally being “lazy.” Life had other plans—my mother was diagnosed with cancer before we could leave the state. We chose to stay close, purchased land, and thankfully, she is now in remission.
My father saved one of my husband’s favorite yard signs and repainted it with the words “LAZZZY D RANCH,” adding three Z’s to represent me, my husband, and our dog. Later, we changed “Ranch” to “Farm” to better reflect our acreage. When he gave us the sign, he said, “You will no longer be lazy”—and he wasn’t kidding.
What started lightheartedly has become a lasting reminder of family, perseverance, and the values at the heart of our hatchery. I dedicate significant time to research and reading, and I strongly urge everyone to do the same before starting their own flock.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Behind the success lies perseverance. Running a hatchery requires long hours, significant investment, and unwavering dedication. I work multiple jobs to fund the farm, faced setbacks and overcome challenges that have tested me at times. Through it all, my family’s support and my love for chickens helps keep my vision alive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lazzzy D Farm?
Today, Lazzzy D Farm stands out for its superior care and health standards. Each chick is raised in a stress-free setting, with flocks tested twice yearly by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Our voluntary participation in NPIP and AI programs reflects our commitment to providing the healthiest poultry for our customers. With a rainbow basket of egg colors—from blues and greens to rich browns—We breed with care and respect for the American Standard of Perfection, but our passion is creating the most beautiful basket of rainbow eggs to your table.
Looking ahead, Lazzzy D Farm is expanding into a new building in 2026, equipped to handle larger orders and reduce wait times for customers. Our 11 breeding pens house a rainbow of breeds—Black Copper Marans, BBS Ameraucanas, Ermine Ameraucanas, Olive Eggers, Easter Eggers, Bantam Silkies, plus auto-sexing Crested Cream Legbars and Welsummers. Stay tuned: a brand-new breed will debut in late 2026!” The farm continues to evolve while staying true to its values: family, integrity, and a passion for poultry.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Throughout this journey, I’ve been blessed to meet fellow poultry keepers like Murphy of The Feral Feathered Farm. With shared values of family and chickens, we collaborate to support our community. Murphy’s unique service of traveling to collect chicks ensures that even the busiest families can enjoy raising healthy poultry without worrying of availability.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to help others experience the joy of raising chickens. Whether your a first-time chicken keeper or a seasoned enthusiast, Lazzzy D Farm offers not just chicks, but knowledge, guidance, and a community built on trust.
Contact Info:
- Website: lazzzydfarm.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazzzydfarm/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lazzzy.d.farm
