I added six new members to the family Wednesday. Meet our chickens: Noodle, Parmesan, Delilah, Chiquita, Emma and Blueberry.
My chicken adventure began last Saturday while I was away at the beach with my girlfriend, Rita. We took Rita’s daughter and three of her friends to Ocean City for her daughter’s 16th birthday. More on that trip in another blog! While relaxing on the beach, I received a phone call from Maddie. Here’s how it went.
Maddie: Mommy, can we get a chick?
Me: Honey, where are you?
Maddie: I’m at Tractor Supply.
Me: How did you get to Tractor Supply?
Maddie: Daddy.
Me: I see.
Maddie: Can we get one, pleassseeeee??
Okay, so from this conversation I learned two things: One, Daddy wanted chicks. That’s why he let the redhead call me from Tractor Supply. If he didn’t want them, he would have told her no. He let her call because he already knew the second thing I learned from that phone call – I am a complete pushover! So, I told the redhead that I would think about it. Four days later, I left Tractor Supply with 6 chicks.
Side note: I love Tractor Supply. I love Tractor Supply almost as much as I love Target. So, heretofore Tractor Supply will be known as The TS.
My original plan was to get full-grown chickens. I didn’t really want the hassle of caring for little chicks that weren’t going to give me eggs right away. I also wanted Brahams. I could have special ordered them from Tractor Supply but I would have needed to place a minimum order of 25 chicks. Umm…no thanks. About 19 more than I wanted! Instead, I got Rhode Island Reds.
This was a good choice for us. Rhode Island Reds are popular for backyard flocks. They are good with children unless they are annoyed, but it’s mostly roosters that get annoyed. They are good egg layers and hardy animals. They are resistant to illness and are, generally, friendly and docile. Since it will be 4 to 5 months before I get some eggs, I want really good layers. I’ve also heard that they are among the most affectionate of the varieties. I know…do I really need an affectionate chicken? No, but it’s a nice quality to have in a chicken.
I will admit that even though I was hesitant to get chicks, I love them. They are so fun to watch. We are already establishing a pecking order with Blueberry in the lead. Her main method of showing her dominance is to peck the other chickens in the eye. I should have known the chicken was going to be a little crazy when Jane picked her out. Birds of a feather flock together.
When I went to bed Wednesday night, I thought to myself that the most bizarre thing to happen that night was the fact that I had 6 chickens in my guest room. Boy, was I wrong! My Wednesday night got more bizzare. That’ s another blog for another time…;)
A Girl and Her Goat 