Chicken Anatomy - The Part You Seldom Notice

The "Vent" or "Cloaca" of a chicken is one of it's most important parts, though it's not a part of a chicken's anatomy you'd immediately notice or think about . . . not like a nice red comb, beautiful feathers, or strikingly attractive colors.

A while back, someone mentioned the vent in a Facebook comment, and another person asked, "what is the vent?" That's what inspired this post. Now, for people who've been raising chickens for a fairly long time, such a question may be surprising. But, you can't assume it's something everyone automatically knows. For newcomers to the hobby of raising chickens, it's important, as it relates to reproduction, elimination, health condition,and the production of the all-important egg.

The "vent" (Cloaca) is a bit different in a hen than in a rooster, just as there are anatomical gender differences in all species. The Cloaca is the part of a baby chick that specialists (a whole new career option!) examine within hours of hatching, so that hatcheries can send out orders to consumers like us who want to receive only pullets, for example. These highly experienced professionals are able to tell, through spreading this organ open slightly whether a tiny chick will grow into a hen or rooster. If you've ordered baby chicks a few times, you'll probably agree that they're quite reliable.

No reproduction would take place in the absence of this part of a chicken. Of course, it's also the part of a chicken that facillitates elimination (otherwise known as "poop" and referred to by avid gardeners as "fertilizer").

It's important that we take notice of the condition of our chicken's vents every once in awhile, because signs of health problems can be discovered by doing so.

In tiny baby chicks, for example,the vent can become pasted over -- this requires that we immediately and gently clean it off with a soft wet cloth, or the chick could die due to further elimination being blocked. Don't let this deter you from getting baby chicks, though, it doesn't happen all the time . . . and if it does, you now know what to do about it.

When you show your chickens, it's important to check around the vent before competition and clean the area if needed. Judges check every part of the chicken and assign points accordingly. Part of conditioning your bird is to let it become accustomed to every step the judge will be going through, so that it doesn't panic.

Her Town Took Her Pet Chickens Away!

Usually, I just mind my own business and don't get involved, but this is a compelling story . . .

A lady from a small town in New York was having a hard time. She had been diagnosed with cancer, and her chances weren't looking good at all.

In an effort to give her something else to think about (and something to live for), her husband decided to get her a gift. What was it? Well it sure was right down my alley, and yours too, if you're a pet chicken enthusiast!

He brought her 11 baby chicks! Well, as you can imagine, it didn't take long at all for her to fall madly in love with 'em. She named them, spent tons of time with 'em and sometime in there, she found out she'd been mis-diagnosed -- she didn't have cancer, after all! But, she did have some kind of bacterial infection that had damaged her lungs, and had surgery to remove the damaged area. Hope I'm recalling the details right.

What's important right now, is this!

Even though her husband checked the codes in their town (just like all the books tell us to do) to make sure it was kosher to have a few hens as pets (and there was no code at that time covering chickens), they've had those chickens taken away from them. The reason? A judge says they're "farm animals" and that they don't fall under the "pet" category.

Now, the couple has a fine levied against them for $4,000, in addition to their loss of the pet chickens.

You can read the news story and see the accompanying video by clicking below:

http://www.wten.com/global/story.asp?s=13783920

Since this lady, Brenda Helm,  saw my website about the hobby of keeping chickens as pets, she contacted me to ask if I'd be willing to write a letter to the judge explaining the growing popularity of this great hobby. She wanted me to let them know that chickens are regarded by many as more than "just farm animals". I said, "You Bet"! Why? Well, first of all, since the town had no codes in place at the time her husband got her the baby chicks, at the very least I thought this couple should be allowed to be grandfathered in, as they say. Second, the judge is obviously not aware that chickens are regarded as pets by so many people. Read the definition of "pets" below, then maybe you'll feel moved to write a short note to the judge, too, on this lady's behalf.

Please take a minute to check out the link below! If you do feel moved to help by writing to the judge, these people can certainly use (and will appreciate) your help! They're filing an appeal and you could make the difference in whether they get to bring these pet chickens back home.

The address is:

Stephen F. Swinton, JR.

Town Justice

One Niskayuna Circle

Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309

In my letter, I cited:

• The dictionary definition of a "PET" -- "an animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness; kept or treated as a pet (a pet duck)"

• The fact that many hatcheries are shipping small numbers of baby chicks (from 3-10) to accomodate those who live in town and want to raise pet chickens as a hobby.

• Some quotes from The Complete idiots Guide to Raising Chickens, by Jerome D. Belanger, founder of Backyard Poultry Magazine, documenting the popularity of the 'chickens as pets' trend.

• And, the point that, though this trend may not represent the majority, other more "fringe" ideas and lifestyles are being given great respect, protection, and even privilege, under the law. I also mentioned that many pet chicken hobbyists are saving endangered breeds, so that they can be admired and enjoyed in the future.

Brenda Helm, is, as you can imagine, sick with worry about her "babies" who've been taken away to some type of "foster home" for chickens.

You can help her get them back, simply by writing a short letter to the address above!

Remember, your right to "pursue happiness", promised in the U.S. Constitution, could be compromised next!

I 've never gotten involved in anything like this, but I just don't believe that Judge realizes that people (not everyone, for sure, granted) like raising chickens, regard them as pets, and take excellent care of them.



A Week Off With the Chickens

Boy does it feel great, an entire week of not going to work! All my animals appreciate the time I'm home to show them some special attention and give them treats they enjoy. This is especially true of course, for my cat and dog. They get really lonely. My workplace closes up the last week of the year, plus I'm taking a couple of vacation days so my animals will definitely benefit.

So, what are your pets getting for Christmas?

Besides my time, my cat'll get a play mouse under the tree, the puppy will get some bones, and all the chickens will get special treats every day. As for me, I'll have a great visit with family, give and receive gifts, and eat oodles of holiday goodies. Nothing unusual there, but something to look forward to anyway.

A very Merry Christmas to anyone reading this, and all the best in 2011!

Thanksgiving Greetings

"Happy Thanksgiving!"

Hope it's turning out just the way you envisioned it . . . no nightmarish accidents like:

• forgetting to take the plastic wrapped 'extra's' out of the turkey
• making pumpkin pie, but forgetting to add sugar - or
• completely forgetting to fix stuffing

Well, you'd probably never make any of these mistakes, would you? Hate to confess it, but, yours truly has experienced every one of 'em. The restaurant was pleased to have me and my guests that particular Thanksgiving Day, though, and I learned three important lessons.

An attitude of gratitude -- good to have, not only every day of the year, but especially this time of year. The fact that I still have a job, especially during this economy, pretty much tops the list of things I'm grateful for. If not for that current situation I'd , of course, put my family first . . . then my appreciation for being blessed to have all my chickens, dog, cat, rabbit, and geese. Still lacking a soul-mate and future wife, but most of the time I'm able to "keep the faith".

How 'bout you? Make my day -- make a comment. Please?

Have a great holiday!

Egg Provider For All -- and Loving It

They don't exactly understand, but I pass on the compliments I get from co-workers to my hard working hens. Compliments like, "those are the best eggs I've ever tasted!" The word has spread and now even more people are asking to try some of my home grown eggs. I know, I should charge for them, everybody tells me that.

The thing is, these people do pay me for the eggs, in their own way. Just yesterday, a lady I work with brought me several jars of vegetables she'd canned herself. Can't wait to dig in! I don't do a lot of fancy cooking or baking, so it's always nice when someone brings breakfast burritos, a couple of dozen cookies, a bale of straw for chicken bedding, or even a bag of leftovers they think my chickens might enjoy.  The two pumpkins one co-worker brought right after Halloween sure were a big hit with my flock.

I love eating the eggs laid by my chickens, but sure can't eat them all. People appreciate getting them and it builds goodwill. One guy has even stopped calling me "birdbrain" and has replaced it with "chicken guy". Hey, you gotta be thankful for even the smallest improvements sometimes.

What are you thankful for this year?

Chickens are Doing Well Today, People in the Right Place, Wrong time

Back home after working a few overtime hours. Felt kind of anxious about what I might find, but my chickens and other 'family members' are fine. There's something about witnessing an accident that jars you and makes you realize there are no guarantees.

There I was, driving down the highway, country music station taking me to memories past. Then I saw the car at the side of the road, no blinker on, but the driver was looking back, as if preparing to turn back onto the road. Problem was, I could see the motorcycle in her blind spot . . . she was going to hit it!. I screamed, "don't do it!", but of course she did.