Pet Chickens Update

Baby chicks from last post are growing like weeds and staying healthy. One of the babies is starting to spar with Daddy Rooster - that relationship may end. The other four are pullets, so are very docile.

The other night, I went out to get in my truck only to find there was a bobcat under it - he sauntered off seemingly unafraid, without any confrontation. Up here in the Cascade mountains we had our first little snowstorm of the season;warmed up later in the day melting it all. Just equipped the truck with new snow tires, so am as ready as possible.

Here's another fairly new family. Mama Hen is an Ameraucana. You can also see my Japanese Bantam Rooster on the left and Ameraucana Bantam Rooster to his right.  So far, everyone is doing well, hopefully, the same is true for you and your chickens (and other animals-everyone who has chickens usually has a whole managerie, as well).
Feel free to continue contacting me (for all of those who are already keeping in touch). Or email me with any specific questions at scott@fortheloveofchickens.com - I enjoy hearing from all of you.

Capons, Great Thanksgiving Alternative

When the celebration of Thanksgiving finally came to our family, due to delay caused by a winter storm, the table was graced, not with the traditional turkey, but with a capon.

A capon, as you probably know is a castrated rooster. Capons not only make a delicious dinner entree, they make great pet chickens, too. If you love the looks of a rooster grazing with the hens in your yard, but are worried it may not be child friendly, a capon is the perfect solution.

They're easy to tame, and you'll enjoy having one -- it's a harmless addition that'll make your flock seem "complete".

Share your thoughts on this below, if you wish.

Happy Fathers Day, Guys

Feeling a little left out today, but I did just adopt a puppy. That qualifies, right? Well, kinda, sorta, in a way . . .

Anyway, since I keep reading "you don't even need a rooster" to keep chickens and enjoy those delicious eggs, I'm dedicating this post to the mighty and awesome ROOSTER.

That would be the same ROOSTER that's required for fertile eggs and the miracle of birth, or hatching, of one of the cutest baby farm animals that exist! I know, the reason roosters have gotten short shrift is because of the popularity of urban farming. Not keeping a rooster with a flock of hens keeps city dwellers within the confines of local law. Roosters are usually banned because their early morning 'cock-a-doodle-do's' are considered to be noise pollution by some people. For others, this "noise" brings back nostalgic memories of rural living.

Personally, if you're living the 'country life' without the presence of a rooster, I believe you're missing an important part the experience. And I understand, the law is there to be obeyed, and there's not a lot you can do about that.

Roosters are beautiful, living, moving, crowing works of art. Each one has a distict personality. Some are mean and independent, and qualify as "deadbeat dads", while others actually welcome the baby chicks under their wings. And, you can't automatically judge roosters as poor choices to develop into pets. Often, if you start early, and spend time with them , they'll become great pets, even defending your home much like a watch dog. Like my Old English Bantam, Spike, who struck fear into a six-foot-four former football hero.

Then there's my liberty loving Auracauna Rooster, Radio Flyer. He gets out every day, along with his harem of four hens. I can hear him now, "peck, peck, peck". When he hears I'm up and about on the weekends -- he wants his treats, which he gallantly shares with his hens.

Roosters share a prominent place in history, are used in art, decor, and are featured in many customs around the world. They deserve a little tribute today, in my humble opinion.

Okay, I'm off to do the chores, call my Dad, and walk my new puppy.

What do you think? Got any good rooster stories?