For the Birds

Ever since the chicks have grown into more hen like fowl and graduated to their beautiful coop, I have begun introducing "treats". I've done this for a couple of reasons. The first being that it supplements their diet. The second in hopes that they will be happier birds for something to snack on. Shoot, I'm always happier after a snack, and Andrew is always saying: "Happy birds lay eggs." Lastly, and perhaps the more devious of my reasons, is that I'm trying to win the girls over.

Since they have grown out of their cute you-know-you-want-to-hold-me, fuzzy-buns stage and developed rather sharp talons on their feet, I am more content to try and pet them than pick them up. Andrew on the other hand will often grab a chicken after work to walk around with and pet as he surveys the garden or does something in his shop. His methodology for acquiring a chicken is to sweet talk them into coming close then quickly snatching one as she screams and flails. She will eventually calm down into a submissive "Okay, you've got me. I'll be good." state. Once captured, the hen is pretty docile and content to being traipsed around, but it's still quite the scene when catching time comes.

In attempt to be known as "The nice lady who doesn't emotionally scar us", I have been bringing treats. Crickets were super fun to drop in their box when they were chicks, but has become less entertaining since they can now gobble them down in a blink. A downside is that I'm in no condition to go hunting for crickets and buying them at the pet shop can rack up at 11 cents a piece.

Something more readily available that they've enjoyed is dry oatmeal. I'll put some in a mason jar and shake it while calling them. It brings a pioneerish type joy to my heart as they hear me and congregate at the gate, stepping on each other while waiting for what the nice lady will bring.

Yesterday as I made oatmeal for my own breakfast, I threw in a little extra to share. I was curious to see what the ladies would think about the mushy form. In short, they LOVED it. Better yet, they were so engrossed in their fine breakfast that I moved it within my reach and calmly stole a few pets. Jemimah is excessively shrewd, not trusting anyone for a second, and would send up a shriek anytime she saw my hand getting close to her. Alas, Red and Ethel followed suit. Goldilocks was the best behaved and happily ate while allowing me to stroke her back feathers. For the record, and just to be a completely biased chicken owner, Goldilocks is my current favorite (see below picture - we're buds).

I am all too aware that my thoughts and energies will soon be consumed with the baby and adjusting to a "new normal" stage of life. However, amidst the tiredness, feedings and diaper changes and general chaos a small person can bring, it'll be nice to know that I'm only a few steps away from pleasing a small crowd simply by throwing some oatmeal their way.