It's A Crazy Life.....

I think I mentioned in a previous post about our chickens.  Well, Mr. Crazy Life brought us some new ones shortly after that.  We now have about 30 hens and 3 roosters.  They are a mix of Barred Rock, Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orphingtons, Americanas and some "mutts" or mixes that we're not quite sure what exactly they are!  Our dominent rooster, Big Red, is a young one from last year and next in line is Chicken Little, the first egg we incubated and hatched at home.  The lowest rooster in the pecking order is Mr. Speckles, who although is beautiful with his coat of many colors and white polka dots, just doesn't seem to be as popular with the ladies.  *laugh*  Of course it could be the fact that the wee things named him Mr. Speckles.....he doesn't appear to be overly impressed with it and while the other chicks and roosters will come when we call them, he totally refuses!

Since we started keeping chickens, there have been a few things that have suprised me.  First of all, I have to say that I am totally not a bird person, but I tolerate the chicks for the eggs and food.  But I love how they seem to have such a sense of community within the flock.  There is a definite pecking order and it's interesting to watch that play out.  Also, I'm amazed at how social they are with us - the humans.  I never imagine that they would come when called or follow us around like ducks in a row.  I've gotten to the point where I enjoy being outside with "the girls" and talking to them and interacting with them a bit.  The wee monsters just like to chase the roosters and hens and make them scatter all over the yard!

Anyhow, our wonderful little feathered friends are now providing us with between seven and fourteen eggs a day, making our tummies and our friends tummies very happy.  We get all kinds of colors - dark brown, light brown, almost white, blue and once in a while a green one.  The kids are always excited when a colored egg pops up!

I'll try to update this post later tonight with a lovely (well, somewhat grey and wet due to the weather) chicken photo!