Finding Peace, Purpose, and Better Self: Michael May’s Backyard Story
In the rolling countryside of southern Indiana, Michael May starts each morning with the gentle sounds of clucking hens and a wagging golden retriever named Titus. It’s a quiet rhythm far removed from his earlier years serving in the U.S. Navy, when life meant aircraft carriers and distant ports.
“Back then I thought I was a city person,” he recalls. “But after staying at my parents’ rural home for a while, I realized how much I loved the peace and nature.” That realization changed everything.
Three years ago, Michael bought his own property ten minutes from his family and decided to raise a few chickens—just as a hobby. Today, his flock has grown to thirty-eight birds of different colors and personalities. “Collecting eggs is like collecting Pokémon cards,” he laughs. “Some are blue, some green, some dark brown—it’s addicting.”
Building from Scratch
Michael didn’t grow up farming. He learned by doing—designing and building his first coop from online blueprints, painting and assembling it himself. “You can buy pre-built ones,” he says, “but making it myself made it more personal.”
Over time, he added practical systems: an automatic coop door on a timer and simplified feeding and watering. “I’m a bit of a geek farmer,” he admits. “I like using technology to make life simpler.”
His golden retriever Titus now acts as the guardian of the flock—sometimes even returning misplaced eggs intact. “He grew up with the chickens, so he learned to protect, not chase,” Michael says proudly.
A Scientific Approach to Care
Unlike traditional farmers who rely on inherited methods, Michael prefers science to folklore. “A lot of people feed their chickens leftovers or scraps,” he says. “It makes them happy, but it’s not necessarily healthy.”
He began researching poultry nutrition and using AI tools to verify what he read online. That’s how he discovered Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)—a natural, high-calcium alternative to mealworms. “Most people think only about protein,” he explains. “But calcium is just as important for strong eggshells and overall health. BSFL have both.”
When he searched for BSFL on TikTok, Joyprotyn stood out—thanks to the visible results people shared, the professional packaging, and its scientific approach. He decided to try it himself, and within days he noticed improvements: healthier feathers, stronger shells, and more consistent laying.
“Now I give each chicken about one tablespoon twice a week,” he says. “It’s their treat day.”
A Basket of Memories
One of Michael’s most cherished possessions is a 200-year-old woven egg basket passed down through generations. His 97-year-old grandmother, who grew up on a family farm, gifted it to him when he began keeping chickens.
“It still has the original cloth lining,” he says softly. “She wanted me to use it, not just keep it on a shelf.”
Michael later filmed a heartfelt video about the basket, which resonated deeply with viewers. For him, it represents more than tradition—it’s a bridge between past and present, between the world his grandparents knew and the new one he’s building for himself.
A Brand That Listens
For Michael, the experience with Joyprotyn has gone beyond product performance. “Most brands in this category feel casual, even messy, a brand even spells the word chicken wrong,” he says. “Joyprotyn stood out—it looked more professional but still approachable.” What impressed him most was the communication. “Every time I talked with their team, I felt respected,” he says. “They really listened—not just trying to sell something, but to understand how I actually raise my chickens.”
He also values its price advantage. “Price matters—a lot,” he emphasizes. “Joyprotyn costs about one-third of what other brands charge. That’s huge, especially when you’re feeding nearly forty birds. And the quality is just as good, if not better.”
For Michael, this combination of scientific credibility, performance, and sincerity makes Joyprotyn “a brand that actually gets it.”
From Backyard to Better Self
Looking back, Michael admits his backyard life has transformed him more than he expected. “The first year, I almost gave up—it was hard work. But over time, I built systems that made everything smoother: automatic doors, timed feeders, a balanced routine.” He pauses. “I wouldn’t want to start over again, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
What began as a hobby became a creative pursuit. Between chores, Michael now spends time filming, editing, and sharing educational videos. He's also building furniture and crafting art pieces in his workshop.
“It’s funny,” he smiles, “the person I was ten years ago wouldn’t recognize me now.” Watching him talk about his backyard life, it’s clear the change runs deeper than daily routines or better systems. What started as a simple chicken hobby became a journey of self-discovery—one that mirrors the spirit of Joyprotyn: curiosity, care, and the joy of building something meaningful from the ground up. Through his evolving backyard world, Michael hasn’t just raised stronger hens—he’s cultivated a stronger, more creative version of himself.
About Joyprotyn
Designed in Los Angeles, Joyprotyn is a pioneering nutrition brand dedicated to improving the health and happiness of America’s backyard chickens in a natural and sustainable way. Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) raised on recycled food waste, Joyprotyn provides a 100% natural source of high protein and calcium that supports stronger eggshells, healthier feathers, and more sustainable farming. By turning food waste into wellness, Joyprotyn helps backyard chicken owners care better for their flocks—and for the planet.