Things are going well with the Ladies. They are feeling enough at home that we can leave their doors open all day, and they return to the coop to lay their eggs.
We have 8 boxes for them, but there are only two or three that they like. And they deposit the eggs together in the same nest all day. The next day they might use a different box, but all will use the chosen box of the day.
The Rhode Island Reds are about as lovable as a chicken can be. All run up to me when I step outside. I'd like to think its genuine fondness, but I think they are just greedy pigs and wondering if I might have a treat.
What surprises me about hens, is how soft they are. And that some of them actually seem to like to be petted.
Our other four ladies, the Americaunas and Red Stars, are not nearly as friendly, but I hope that changes. They are much larger, louder, messier, and squawk at me like I have no right in the coop. I am kind of wishing I'd stuck with just the Rhode Island Reds, since they are so sweet, adorable and act like they are thrilled to see me.
I guess its time to tell the big, noisy, messy birds that they are too juicy and fat to not at least pretend to like me. Because I love fried chicken more than I love hens who act like I am an annoyance in their lives… No, thier eggs are too pretty to give up on them. Sugarwings and I enjoy the blue eggs they produce.
Don't forget, we are having a Faerie Book Swap! Scroll down a couple posts for details. I painted this fairy as a possible part of the collage for the cover, but I'm not sure I want to use it. I think I'd rather have a more vintagey looking fairy.
What do you think?
Luv your fairy. Have a great weekend and enjoy your adventures with the ‘girls’.
I had wanted to get chickens but decided it was challenge enough to find a pet sitter with 3 dogs and 5 cats and chickens would push them over the edge. lol!! I am contemplating joining the fairy swap and think maybe a more vintage fairy would be nice. I love what you do.
although she is pretty and i like her but i think a vintage one would work better. love the chickens. blue eggs wow! wish we were zoned for them. looks like fun. 🙂
Hi, dear Karla! I had been wondering about the Ladies! Sorry that the Americaunas and Red Stars have their own little snooty ‘tudes! Ha! Maybe the kinder, gentler dispositions of their coop-mates will eventually rub off on them. I think it is interesting that they all lay their eggs in the same “box du jour.” Maybe they are involved in their own little henny drama. “Oh, you think THAT is a prize-worthy egg, honey? Well, take a look at THIS one, sweetheart!!!” Aaaand another egg is laid for the daily competition. : )
I am open to ANY kind of fairy you would like to place on the cover, Karla. I think this one shown here is beautiful, but if vintage gets the most votes, then that will be absolutely great as well.
Your fairy looks so lovely.
Her dress is so beautiful, and her wings, and the little animal in her hands.
It all looks great.
Hi Karla, I just love the stories of your chickens. How wonderful to have fresh eggs every day. And your fairie is simply adorable! ~Marti
I have chickens too but they won’t start laying eggs until early fall. Have you tried giving them raisins for a treat? Mine go absolutely CRAZY for raisins. Love my rhode island reds too. They all have such different personalities.
Your ladybug faerie is quite charming.
Love those Rhode Island Reds! I’m so excited about the Fairy Book!
Big, fat messy birds. I simply adore it!
Do you know why chickens leave eggs of different colors? Is there different nutritional value depending on the color.