We did it. We got 'em. We are now the owners of a fabulous flock 'o chickens!
We went out to the chicken farm in Hamilton and spent an hour and half chasing around chickens like a bunch of city slickers. Eliza toted the "Pocketful of Poultry" book around like a true chicken tourist:
We meant to get 5 - We came home with 10 chickens. And went back yesterday for 6 more. ahem.
From left to right here:
Bonnie, our Red Sex Link (as in Bonnie & Clyde - because she's an escape artist)
Elena, one of our Buff Orpingtons
Yasmina, our Ameraucana cross
Ginger, our Rhode Island Red (Ginger because.. she's organiiized... please tell me you get that!)
We are totally wacko in love with them. There are quite a few more, but no pictures of the whole flock yet. I'll share as we go along.
Anyway, the other day, I decided to go out there with a bundle of chicken colored art supplies and start sketching those chickens. (Watch for it in my next fabric collection - I can't believe I'm doing chickens, but they're so cool! )
Anyhoo - chicken colored art supplies: (these are Faber-Castell Pitt Pens and a Fabriano Artist Journal)
I was sketching away and then, thunk:
OH! Hello little nameless Ameraucana chicken. You are so serene and calm..
OH sweet bird. Dustin said the same thing - she's so serene.. you should name her Serena. And then of course I thought of Serena and knew that I had my own little farm chick right here.
Isn't she gorgeous? She loves everyone around here, and we love her so much that I went back and nabbed her full grown (possilby?) sister, who just this morning gave us our very first gorgeous blue egg.
We are also gathering a few pinkish brown eggs, which are fantastic:
And I was shocked, but our eggs are way bigger than the large grade I bought from the store!
Oh sigh.. It is so rewarding to be close to your food source. A few people have given us a few raised eyebrows about our chickens. It's given me the chance to really think about why we got them.
Firstly, our desire to be more self sustaining, and give our chickens the happiest life possible, while patting them on the head and thanking them for their gorgeous eggs makes us happy. I feel that if you make the choice to consume animal products (and we do) it should be done with respect. When we eat chicken now, our children already look at it completely differently. They understand that an animal had to give its life for them to eat that meal. And while we aren't raising hens or pigs or other animals for meat, eventually we want to, and this is a perfect first step for us.
Amanda has written a few beautiful posts on this, that have inspired me greatly.
And also - we want our kids to work. Plain and simple. But also for them to know that the work that sustains us can be fun. And beautiful. And tasty. Yep.
xo
Sandi
Serena really is a beautiful chicken! We've expanded our flock from 8-18 this spring and we'll be getting a rooster so we can keep expanding. It really is a rewarding thing to be able to give the animals that provide your food such a good life.
Posted by: Julie | July 22, 2011 at 05:18 PM
hehe, love the Ginger referance. Chicken Run is one of our favorite movies. You have a lovely looking flock :) My grandparents raised chickens and turkeys for meat for years when I was growing up. I spent hours holding and petting the fluffy chicks, knowing we would be eating them in a few months. It isn't nearly as morbid as it sounds. It was a good experience for me and the other grandkids, one I hope to be able to give my sons some day.
Posted by: Allison | July 22, 2011 at 06:01 PM
I love what you are doing...if I did not upset the powers to be (neighborhood association), I, too, would be raising chickens and sustaining my family. I did alot of that this summer with my garden. You are an awesome Mother! God Bless you! Pamie G.
Posted by: Pamela Graham | July 22, 2011 at 06:52 PM
I can't wait to see your chicken line. I will totally buy some. :)
We have six hens and have really enjoyed them. Our white americauna is the most mellow too. Instead of running when we try to pick her up, she just squats and freezes. We haven't named ours though because we plan on eating them when their egg production starts tapering off. Sad and shocking but true.
We live in a small town so can't raise our own meat, but buy half a cow and half a hog each year from friends. It is good to know that only half a cow and half a pig died for our yearly meat consumption and that they lived well while they were alive.
I would love to see some of your sketches when they are done.
Posted by: Leila | July 22, 2011 at 08:23 PM
As I was looking at those chick pics :) I was thinking, "I feel a chicken line coming on" and then I saw the chicken colored pens! Hah! How wonderful that you were able to get your chickens! I love that you are teaching your children as well.
Posted by: Tina in Boston | July 22, 2011 at 09:13 PM
So fun! My husband and I bought an old truck a few weeks ago from some people that had a big flock of chickens and they handed us a carton of eggs. I got home and decided that it would be fun to try to hatch them. So, we're within a few days of seeing if any of them made it or not. It took me a couple days to get an incubator, so I think we might not have the best chance, but at least now, I've roped the husband into getting chickens, which has been on my list for a few years now. If these don't hatch, I'm going to get another batch of eggs, and I guess if the next batch doesn't hatch, I'll just go get some chickens like you did!! Looking forward to the updates AND the chicken fabric!
Posted by: Stef | July 22, 2011 at 09:45 PM
Fresh eggs from healthy chickens are so much better tasting than the ones from the store- even the grass fed, cage free, organic ones! I can never go back.
Posted by: Laura | July 22, 2011 at 10:40 PM
I loved this post. I read Serena's blog religiously, and knew who you were talking about the moment I saw your post title! I can't wait to see your adventures on your very small little farm. It's a beautiful life indeed.
Posted by: pinksuedeshoe | July 23, 2011 at 12:25 AM
Awww i love your chickens! We have three (very small back garden), and we adore them. They are such wonderful animals.x
Posted by: Jeanette | July 23, 2011 at 01:33 AM
The eggs are great for natural dyes at Easter. You can make a lovely array of pastels. Or just put sparkles on them with no dye. Lovely either way.
Just be careful to lock them up during thunder storms. My mom lost her favorite chickens in a thunderstorm when a fox took the opportunity to teach it's babies how to hunt. It was tragic.
Posted by: melissa | July 23, 2011 at 09:52 AM
Welcome to the chicken world! We are head over heals in love with our 7 girls! We should start getting eggs very very soon. *swoon* You need to come out with a chicken print. There aren't enough whimsical chicken fabrics out. I'll be your first customer!
Posted by: Stephenie | July 23, 2011 at 10:33 AM
We are thinking of doing the whole back yard chicken thing too. I've been wanting to for years. What a beautiful name for your next fabric line... Serena!
Posted by: Christina | July 23, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Congratulations! We've had chickens for over a year now and and just adore those silly cluckers! They are quite entertaining :) I can not wait for your chicken line! The only cute one I've found was A. Henry's Farmdale. I'm sure yours will be even more awesome (no pressure) ;)
Posted by: Lisa | July 23, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I've been dreaming of chickens. Not this year but you are inspiring me. Serena is beautiful.
Posted by: Wendy | July 23, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Love this post - so great for your kids - wish we had the room for chickens...can't wait to see what your imagination dreams up for the fabrics!
Posted by: Amber | July 23, 2011 at 02:26 PM
LOL at Bonnie & Clyde. We have a horse we named "Houdini" for the same reason. :)
Posted by: Patrice | July 24, 2011 at 06:50 AM
Well said!
Posted by: Jessica | July 24, 2011 at 09:31 PM
We are getting our first flock of chickens this (hopefully) week. Most of my friends laugh about it and don't really understand our need for chickens...I mean there is a grocery store just up the road...but we seem to have an insatiable desire to be self sustaining. Plus when you are growing/raising the food you eat you know EXACTLY what you are putting into your bodies. No hormones, no steroids, no pesticides, etc.
Good for you!
Posted by: Heather | July 25, 2011 at 08:34 AM
How exciting! Someday I hope to have the space for chickens, too. Your photos are beautiful.
Posted by: Briana | July 25, 2011 at 10:17 AM
..."those chickens are up to something..."
Makes we wish I lived somewhere I could have more than just two kitties! And I love the idea of teaching your children that work is okay!
Posted by: Doris | July 25, 2011 at 11:50 AM
I must join in the chicken love! And you've done it now: I also await your chicken fabric.
Posted by: Becky | July 25, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Love your chickens. I lived on a farm as a child, so I have fond memories of them. I definately could not/would not have them where I live now, but I am totally looking forward to you telling us about your chicken adventures!
Posted by: GingerCat | July 26, 2011 at 07:34 AM
We're new chicken owners as well. As a matter of fact, just finished writing about building our chicken house. :) They are so fun to watch!
Posted by: Marni | July 26, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Yeah! I love watching our 7 girls free range around the yard. There is something wonderful about having a flock of chickens. And you certainly can't beat the amazing eggs! Congratulations! Can't wait to see your sketches.
Posted by: rockymountainmamajen | July 27, 2011 at 10:33 PM
A gorgeous girl! Fantastic that she came home to you already tame and used to people. Home isn't home without a hen or ten!
Posted by: Mrs Bok | July 31, 2011 at 06:09 AM