We are officially chicken people. This is our first farm animal experiment. Previously all the animals in our household have been cats. The chicks are here with a job to do: in about five months they will lay eggs. (It would be unfair to say that the cats are not as useful. They may not produce food, but they manage to fulfill their roles as lap warmers and comic relief.)
The chicks are funny. The red one (a Rhode Island Red) is sweet and friendly, the black one (a Barred Rock) is a little stern, and the brown one with fluffy cheeks (an Ameraucana) is worried. I did not expect them to really have personalities, but they do. When they get big enough, we are going to tractor them around the yard. They can find delicious bugs that way.
I didn’t think I would have chickens. I though I might have any one of a number of other farm-type animals, but not chickens. I think it’s because my BFF is chicken phobic and I love her. But Elie was really down with the idea of chickens and they’re a pretty practical animal to keep, so here we are. (Plus, said BFF lives halfway across the country.)
It’s been a weekend of food for thought, much of it thanks to Lisa, our local food diva. She had chickens and demonstrated how not hard or weird it was, and she also posted links to all the local CSAs, which was so nice because I thought there was only one and it was sold out. I joined up and am now thrilled about the idea of my veggies arriving once a week in a box, not in the least because this means that I won’t have to think about what to buy. It is lessening my domestic thought burden. Back to this weekend. So then to top that all off, my friend Joe got me into the sold out Ebertfest showing of Farmer John, which was just oh so good.
Also this weekend, a tiny bit of crafting for another tiny person. Bibs for baby showers. I swear, there are as many babies as bunnies this year!
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I need more "lessening of my domestic thought burden" too.
Very cool. I’ve been reading and thinking about keeping chickens for years but I’m too scared to add the commitment. Gosh they’re cute!
We raise chickens too. We have hatched 20 so far this year.
Good luck. We have New Hampshire Reds.
Groovy chickens.
I love your chickens!! They are so sweet. Our friends had an Indian Runner Duck that had the best personality so I am not surprised to hear of your chicken’s personalities too. I have chicken fantasies but I think the dog does too. Sadly mine and the dog’s fantasies are not at all compatible.
VERY cute!!
We had chickens raised from baby chicks when I was small and I remember spending ages sitting with them and chatting away. They really are cute little pets and great for fresh eggs.
CSA and chicks… you are the bomb.
keep us updated on the chickens.. i fantasize about chickens but have not been able to decide to go for it… too many predators here.
congrats on the chicks! we have two chickens and a rooster. we had three chickens, but one of them mysteriously disappeared. they are great to have around, especially for the eggs. i love not having to buy eggs. and they last so much longer thabn store bought eggs. have fun!