We've been considering getting some backyard chickens because chickens are just so much fun, and because they will help us by consuming kitchen and garden scraps which they will kindly turn into nice, fresh eggs. They will eat up bugs around the place, and generally do what chickens do. When the feed store down the road put out a sign the other day saying "Chicks are in!" we really couldn't resist, and came home with four little pullets.
I could sit and watch them for hours--we call it Chickie TV. There's something about little chicks--they are just so admirably suited to be chickens. They seem to be born knowing how to scratch around for food, and how to snuggle together for warmth. They are absolutely perfect in their chickenness, and I hope to be able to explain that statement in the weeks and months to come.
Here are the new girls, from the top: Margaret/Meg, Elizabeth/Lizzie, Albertina/Bertie-Mamma, and Hocky. The first three are so named (and I am assuming you are dying to know) because we just watched The King's Speech; and Hocky is named for the children's book by Lane Smith, The Happy Hocky Family, an old read-aloud favorite from my librarian days. (That's Hocky, not hockey).
Albertina's "Bertie" nickname is also a reference to our late and much beloved Bertie-Pierre.
Of course, Beez calls them by a completely different set of names, starting with Bellatrix LeStrange, but that's just the way he is. We take no notice of it.
Lizzie is a Rhode Island Red and Albertina is a Barred Rock. Meg and Hocky are Americaunas, a breed developed from Araucanas, also known as Easter Egg Chickens because of the green, blue, and pink eggs they lay.
Raising chickens in urban and suburban backyards has been catching on around the country. More about all that later. Right now, I have to go watch some more Chickie TV.
9 comments:
So cute, and smart too. I watched a little of your chicken tv the other day and it's even more addicting than regular tv! It's also fun trying to read your news!
Just like with children, the time I hated the most was the awkward adolescent age. They have long legs that don't seem to fit their bodies, their hair is always a mess and they are always hungry. The chicken are similar (see what i did there...) Anyway soon it will be egg laying time. It will be interesting to learn if NM chickens are different than NE chicks...
I'm so looking forward to watching them grow up. You'll be eating eggs with vegetables for more meals than you can count, and that's a good thing. And I've been meaning to tell you how much I love your backlit hollyhock header - just stunning.
I love the stripes down the backs of those two dark ones. this reminds me of my childhood - it was my job to care for the baby chicks each spring. they are adorable, and I love that you've given them names. you're going to love those fresh eggs.
The chicks' REAL names are Bellatrix, Hermione, Tonks, and Fleur--chickens live in constant danger from dark forces like snakes, cats, and coyotes and their names should reflect deathly hallows rather than king's speech.....as for chickie tv, cz and buck are avid survivor fans. no need for further comment about their taste in tv programming.........
I'm so excited for you~ how fun! They are completely adorable. I love your names & chuckled when I read that Beez calls them by a completely different set! May lead to chicken identity crisis! Of course we had chickens when I was growing up (& ducks, pheasants, goats, etc-like a mini farm, haha!) and I dream of having them again one day... though I don't think it would fly in my little apt! So for now, I will have to live vicariously thru you.
p.s~ the kings speech- wasn't that a GREAT movie?!
Oh, be still my heart! These are just too wonderful.
Love their names and the thought you put into each one.
Thanks for sharing :O)
And I thought we were eccentric here in Britain...
Perhaps you should let Colin Firth know that you've named a chick after him. He might be consumed by curiousity and pay you an (oh so handsome) visit.
This sounds like an adventure I need to stayed tuned in for! I'm going to go check my deed restrictions.....
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