Nature Calls

Sherry asked some questions about the chickens in yesterday's comments. I'll try to answer those here. We have several different kinds of chicken. The red ones are Rhode Island Reds. We have black and white striped chickens that are Plymouth Barred Rocks. The chickens with more white feathers and dark colored feet are called Americaunas. These are also known as Easter Egg Chickens, because they lay a blue green colored egg. If you look at the link, you'll see that these chickens also come in many different color variations. All of the chicks that are currently outside are supposed to be hens. We bought them at a local farm store, and they are supposed to have been sorted by gender. So far, it does appear that all are chicks are hens.

Our Bantam chickens are still indoors in their rabbit cage brooder. They won't go outside until they get a little more size on them. Bantams are smaller chickens. They come in many different "varieties," so there isn't one true Bantam as far as I can tell. The chicks we bought are not sex sorted, and it looks like we have two roosters. One rooster is a "frizzled" chicken. He looks like someone took an eye lash curler to his feathers. Our chicks also have feathers on their feet which is really cute.

None of our chicks are going to become Sunday dinner. They are all pets and egg producers (Well, except for the roosters who are just pets). We have one "special needs" chicken who has been dubbed Helen Keller. Helen is an Americauna. She has a crossed beak and is blind in one eye. So far, Helen seems to be thriving. She gets lots of love and attention. Helen will live with the Bantam chickens. She has one other Americauna friend in this brood with her. I cannot remember that chicken's name right now, though.

Shea, you hit the nail on the head with the "aromatic" comment! I'm not overly fond of the aroma of chick in my house, so I am happy that at least half our babies are gone outside.

How about some back yard photos? Here's a shot (blurry) of the nuthatch who decided to nest in our outdoor light pole. Unfortunately, I think that the birds changed their mind. I did not notice them the past several days. We have a lot of woods around here, so maybe they found a quieter nesting spot.


Speaking of woods, here's a shot of the woods behind our house. The white, fluffy bush here is one of the many fringe trees. They have such a wonderful aroma--seriously. Not at all like chick aroma.


We have some irises blooming. Aren't they pretty?




Our "old time" roses are in full bloom as well. One of the bushes we have is part of my great grandmother's rose bush. I just love it, because these roses have such a special place in my childhood and bring back memories of a wonderful lady.