The Chicken Chronicles { Vol. 1 }
As you can see The Girls have been growing like weeds and spend much of their time making themselves comfortable. They prefer my outdoor furniture to have big fluffy pillows and several times a day they can be seen napping in this very spot.
We have established the so called "Ring Leader" of the flock. Our sweet Lola knows the sound of a dinner bell before it's even been rung. She can be seen running across the yard to make sure she's the first in the chow line. Have you ever seen a chicken run? It's hysterical. I'll have to make a video for you.
They're favorite treat right now is Organic Baby Spinach from Costco. I buy it in big tubs, bulk style. Trying to keep them organic and all especially since we're going to be eating the eggs. They shred through it like mini lawn mowers.
The last one to the party is always our little Butter. It's almost like everyone takes off and she's standing around wondering where they went. She gets the leftovers. I've been saving extra for her since she's the runt and because her fragile little self pulls at my heart strings.
And here we have our friendliest, most loveable gal….Ruby our Rhode Island Red. She actually likes to be picked up and held. You can feel her relax when you pet her and she has a very mellow disposition. She might be second in command but I'll need more time to observe before my final verdict.
So far our adventure into urban farming has been very enjoyable. The hens have taken to their new digs and every evening at dusk they can be seen wandering home to their coop. After spending 12 hours a day free ranging in the gardens they put themselves to bed all tuckered out and stuffed.
I'll have to write about our Twins, Marshmallow and Souffle in my next post. They are both Easter Eggers but look nothing alike except for their green legs.
Have any of you decided to get chickens? Oh, please do. You won't regret it. I really love being a Chicken Mama and I'm sure you would too. Hope you enjoyed the first installment of The Chicken Chronicles. Until next time…Smiles, H
81 Responses to “The Chicken Chronicles { Vol. 1 }”
Oh, I DO LOVE CHICKENS! A yoga friend now has a neighbor with a flock and I’ve committed to two dozen a week and I CAN’T WAIT! I love how yours all have their little personalities….. and they are doin’ some good eating from Costco, along with the rest of us. {I buy that spinach, too ~ best deal around}. Loved seeing the girls and as always, LOVE your photos : ) xx P&H
Hi Heather!
Your chickens are looking so big now 😀 They’re very cute in a chickeny way lol. I would love to get chickens once we move to the country side..only for their eggs though! I couldn’t eat one that I knew.
If any of you get a chance please take a look at my blog http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/
Gemma X
I like Butter. She’s a pretty little thing. I’ve been wanting to start some chickens for eggs myself. We’re working on some plans for a surround and a safe place for them as the raccoons aren’t too friendly, but what raccoon is. Great pictures, thanks for sharing.
Oh what a cute little story. Those chickens have it made, their chicken house is so pretty!
Oh they have grown so fast! They are really nicelooking too. I didn´t think much of hens but, I might have to reconsider that thought after seeing yours 😉
It is always nice to pop in here, you have so many wonderful photos.
Have a nice day,
Sanna
Oh I love my girls! Each one has such personality. I named my hens after my five aunts. They provide many hours of entertainment plus yummy eggs. I so enjoy following your blog.
Yes, I wna t chickens, but I can’t convince my husband. He worries about them smell….
The cutest post. I am smitten with your chickens!!! The cutest names. Oh!, what a delight to have such little friends.
Oh they are so cute!! I love Lola’s coloring!! I have always wanted chickens. My best friends grandfather had a chicken farm many years ago when we were kids. The chick delivery was always the best day!!
Yes, I did enjoy the Chicken Chronicles very much! I’ve been aching for chickens, but live in a garden home with a small yard. Across the street from a bank and right in the midst of things. Don’t know that it would work. And yes, I’ve seen chickens run. Grew up with them. Tis a funny sight indeed. Like a very pregnant woman teetering toward you!
Brenda
I had no idea chickens could be so cute. 🙂
They grow FAST. So sweet.
Your roses are stunning.
I get a smile from your pictures…thanks.
This is such a sweet post. I love reading about your chickens and can’t wait to hear more. I love how they each have their own personality- isn’t that funny? Too cute 🙂
Oh Heather, You make raising chickens look so lovely! I’m not even sure if we’d be allowed to have chicken in our neighborhood but wow…I think I’m going to check & see.
Do they ruin your gardens?
Thanks for sharing the photos…we are from Rhode Island and I love that you named the RI red Ruby!!!
Beth
Just went down to feed mine, they love rice! I make rice for the dogs 3 times a week and save some for the chickies, they go crazy. Didi and Mojo are the latest been born a couple of weeks ago and it’s amazing to see how independent they are from day one. Buonagiornata
These chickens are beautiful. I would love to raise some but for new I’m in a condo and can only have 4 legged animals. Love your blog.
Angela
I have just happened upon our site and I think I am in love….I posted your Chicken Coop and linked back to your site, so you might see some additional traffic. I’ve joined as a follower and am looking forward to getting to know you. Please come by and visit with me when you have a chance.
I started following your blog when a friend emailed me pics of your chicken house or should I say cottage. That’s what it reminds me of! I also love chickens and have a small flock of barred rocks. They are so funny and produce such great eggs. Everyday, when I go to put them in for the night, all fifteen run across our barnyard to see if I have brought them any treats. It makes me laugh every time. Thanks for your creative blog and check out my little blog if you have time. Diana from Hidden Meadow Farm http://ronanddianapike.blogspot.com/2010/04/working-girls.html
We had a hen that was so bossy that she crowed like a rooster. She was also our best “sitter” and hatched out dozens of little chicks.
Your girls sure have grown!
Happy hunting,
Teresa
I love your girls. We have 12 hens and a Roo named Huck. I love them all even though Huck and I have a love/hate relationship. They are so much fun and each has their own personality. I recommend a few chickens for all!
Thanks for sharing the “Chicken Chronicles.” You almost make me want to get chickens…almost…
H~ Love this post. The names remind me of Chicken Noodle the goldfish that would NOT die! You come up with the greatest names. 🙂 So is sweet girl on chicken patrol while you are traveling? See you soon! Blessings, Kimberly
Oh thank you thank you thank you…I was waiting for a chick update. You just made my day! I want chickens so badly but I would have to have a coop as fancy as yours.
Delightful post!
oh I love these chickens and wish I had space for some – one day perhaps – My sister in law had two hens THelma and Louise! Louise was not feeling well so she brought her along to her sisters wedding shower and everyone took turns holding her and taking her for walks – a memory not to be forgotten 😉
I too am a chicken chick. Just want to warn you about cozy chickens…..
check out my blog for pics, but my hens now lay their eggs on my 200.00 lawn chair!! You henhouse has inspired me, and I just purchased one so they don’t have to sleep in a rabbit hutch anymore…but I think Penny will still want to have her little eggies on a cozy cushion…spoiled girls!!
Warm Wishes,
Karen Eileen
Hi Heather, Your husband did a really great job on the chicken coop. It is very nice and unique. I picked up a neat hen house here in Lake Elsinore. Now all I need are a couple hens. Thanks for the great pic’s..Julian
I have a problem with my free range girls kicking all of the pine straw out of my gardens while they look for food. How do you keep your yard looking so nice with several of them running around?
Boy you have some very spoiled chickens! I do love their different personalities. My favorite chicken of all time was my Henny Penny. She would come running when she saw me with some gardening tools. Faithfully she would help me pull the weeds, her reward? Every worm we unearthed! Our brood now is a bit more independent. I have one who refuses to live in the coop with the others. She prefers the barn where she can watch over the sheep and the ducklings! Kim
I want chickens so bad!!! One question…..do they hop the fence into the neighbors yard? Our neighbors have dogs so that wouldn’t be a good thing. I was thinking of enclosing my side yard fence high so they could roam but kept safe.
I never thought chickens could be so pretty but you sure know how to make them beautiful! You have a way oh doing that to everything you touch~ Love it here…always leave with a smile on my face~
I too have chickens and they are super fun. What great personalities they have.Mine are just as spoiled as yours since I feed a baby lettuce blend that I buy in bulk. They also love mac n cheese!
Heather, I just recently started blogging and found your site. And totally love it! I’m sending my husband here to check out the chickens, can’t convince him (yet!) that we need some of those babies! In looking at your past blogs, you have such wonderful taste and an eye for beautiful things. Thanks for sharing the pics. Kay
These are terrific photographs, loved reading about your feathered babies and can’t wait for the next installment
Heather,
My dear friend Kim @ Dear Daisy Cottage forwarded a link to your blog after she heard I was going to talk to my husband about getting some chickens. Kim and I live in a historic district in central Florida and the rules for chickens are pretty lax. So, when I showed my Manly Man your coop, and the city ordinance, he agree to build my coop this fall!! I am SO excited. I had banty hens and a little rooster years a ago and I enjoyed simply watching and listening to them. Some of my friends think I’m nuts, but they just don’t understand “chicken love.” I’ll keep you posted…and by the way…I LOVE your blog…you are amazing. Im heading to Texas next month visit Canton and I just can’t wait. Your Texas pics were fabulous. Take care.
How fun that you are keeping chickens. I was amazed that they have distinctive personalities. When I was in MN last year I spent the first day with my uncle and he’s got lots of chickens. HE immediately told me who the “love bug” was. I seem to have collected a lot of metal chicken feeders that no one wants to buy. Do ya need one:)
Margo
Dang, just when I get that picture of the adorable coop out of my head, you pull me back in ….. I have a million questions but my first stop will be my subdivision bylaws. Something tells me those killjoy busy bodies will put the kibosh on fast.
BUT, on the outside chance I get my bribe to the proper “authority” and it’s a go, I just have to ask. What becomes of the chickens in the winter {I’m in Michigan}? Please don’t tell me they have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Even if they do, please don’t tell me!
This is exciting! A new research project!
Ellen
I so enjoyed reading about your chickens and their personalities…hahaha…I cant wait to hear more.
Thanks,
Sylvia
I also have chickens, I love to listen to them as they go around the yard. like watching an aquarium. very relaxing.
I get about 7 eggs a day. Blue, lite and dark brown, mini and HUJUMBUS!!!!! YOU CAN HEAR HER CACKLE A BLOCK A WAY! I have 10 hens and 3 roosters. love em!
Love chickens! When I was a kid we had them… pheasants and ducks too. We had them while I was raising my kids too… We had Rhode Island Reds and the black ones… can’t remember what they re called. My daughter used to carry hers around… she called her Pebbles…
Well “Chicken Mama,” I like the sound of that!
If I lived in a rural area I would have chickens because I love the cute little things!
Your chicks are pretty as can be and I hope the little one catches up.
hugs
Sissie
Just to darn cute, Heather. The Girls are just lovely…everyone of them.
I showed the Hubby your chicken coop and he loved it! I’m working on him…but he makes jokes about the chickens being dinner!!!! Ugghhh!!
I enjoy your chicken pics. I’m a chicken mama too… but honestly… when I read that your little ones nap on your white fluffy pillows… I cringed. Don’t they make an awful mess? They sure are fun though!
Loved this post Heather! I have a deep seated desire to raise chickens, but it is not quite the right time for me yet. So thank you so much for the Chicken Chronicles, I am enjoying every bit about the coop, their growth and all of your well written posts!
Your blog is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your world with us! I found your site from reading “Blogging for Bliss” by Tara Frey. Please come by my blog to say hello, I would be honored!
I’ve wanted chickens for ages and our village won’t allow it. I am planning on fighting it this summer. They look great!!! Our neighbor has illegal chickens and I buy eggs from her. They are the best eggs I’ve ever eaten. I love that hers are blue and green shelled .
We are on the cusp. Relocating to Portland, Or. I see a Hen House in our future…Thanks for the encouragement.
What beauties they’ve grown to be! You are making me want to have chickens again, but we travel too much to make it feasible. Our two peeps used come out of their little coop when they’d hear me in the yard because I would bring them grapes – their favorite.
Your girls looks so healthy and happy. Butter tugs at my heartstrings! 🙂
What great photos of them!
I wish we could have chickens, but not in this town. I have to wait a few years, when we start looking for our dream home. I have already named them though… LOL!
Heather;
Popped in for a look, you are always up to something fun! My how the chicks have become fine looking hens! Really pretty and fun for everyone I am sure.
Have a good weekend,
L.
Heather,
Fellow Chicken MAMA…We now have 24 at Buttercup Farm. Turns out one is a Rooster which I happen to LOVE. The girls are going to sell the eggs to family friends when they start laying. I’ll be adding new pictures of the coop/aviary on the blog in the “Farm Style” section soon. Happy Mothers Day!!!!!!
Oh Heather, i so love this post! We have been enjoying our chickens for over a year now and they bring so much joy. The kids love them, and yes, we laugh everyday watching them run around the yard. We also have one that likes to be held. She seems to have a differnt cluck than the rest of them and is so calm.
We have a rhoad island red, three easter eggers, and a buff cochin that are full grown, as well as 6 frizzles (you would love them!) and three silkies.
You will love, love the eggs too! So great to see so many people are getting them now. We have almost no ticks here, as we let them walk around our yard too.
I just can’t say enough!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of your babies! Keep them coming!
Awe! The chickies are so big! They look great!
Come see the fun morning I had today here http://capcreations.blogspot.com/2010/05/where-were-you-at-600-am.html
I’d love to have some chickens – maybe someday! 🙂
heather! that was the sweetest post on chickens! i am now in love with them too! and their names are perfect! i would love to try to be a chicken mama but i think its against the law her in my neighborhood! thanks so much for sharing!
HI Heather; OH they are so cute,,, love all the sweet photos of them,,,, and the stories about each one,,,,,what fun you are having with them…. I wish I could have a few,, but don’t think the Apt. complex would let me….. boooooo so I will just live through you…..lol
Have a great weekend
Hugs;
Alaura
Oh….this makes me want some chickens so bad….but alas, I don’t think chickens and free range weenie dogs would mix well at all.
I think chicken raising is becoming quite popular. I love the pictures of your group and the comical descriptions of their antics. They must be so entertaining that eggs will only be a side benefit!
Ooh, your chickens getting big now. Love the chicken house!
Your chickens are just so beautiful! I love chickens. I do really want a few. Thanks for the look into your new chicken life. It is inspiring for me. I just might go out and start getting lumber for my coop. 😉
Hopefully next year we will be getting some chickens. I have always wanted some. Yours are beautiful.
They are so very cute! Love the in-between size they are right now. And the chicken coop. TDF! Can’t wait for the Chicken Chronicles Vol. II.
Have a great day,
Kitty
So cute!
Happy Mother’s Day;)
xoxo
Kay
i want chickens so bad, i’ve been doing research into the best egg laying ones, and since i only want 4 or so what do you suggest, i’d like friendly, fun, and egg layers…. thanks
oh your girls are growing up so lovely. i am going to be a chicken mama soon. The hubby is building them a shelter. I showed him yours because it is so amazing- he rolled his eyes at me!
I am enjoying all of your chicken posts! We had a Rhode Island Red when I was growing up and I loved her! She learned to come running if you snapped your fingers. 🙂 Looking forward to more chicken news!
p.s. Happy Mother’s Day!
AW Cute, what a pleasure it must be to watch them about the yard throughout the day. They found your lawn furniture is a sunny spot. They are getting so big, Happy Mother’s Day
We’ve had chickens for some years now Heather, and aren’t they the most entertaining pets? They all have such distinct personalities, and it’s usually the little ones that are the most feisty! Our Rhode Island Red, Bertha, is very placid and quite timid, and yet our two tiny Gold-Laced Wyandottes so cheeky and bossy it’s not funny. We also have a rooster, the gorgeous Chicky Babe, who likes to sit on the kids’ laps for a cuddle. I recently posted about our little menagerie if you’re interested, here is the link:
http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/04/chicky-babe.html
I’m sure your ladies will bring you as much enjoyment as ours do, they are just gorgeous. And once you’ve had eggs from your own hens, you’ll never eat store-bought again!K xx
So Sweet! These beautiful ladies seem nothing like the chickens on my grandmother’s farm–who like to chase my sisters and I around the yard. Yep, I’ve seen a chicken run!
Thanks for sharing!
I love chickens (except cleaning the coops!)
Oh my gosh ~ your chickens are adorable! Such a cute post!
They are all so cute that it’s hard to pick a favorite! I can remember having chickens growing up. One of my fondest childhood memories was to collect the eggs in a basket at the end of the day. It was like an Easter Egg hunt every day. Wish my Mom still had that basket..it was vintage back in the 1960’s! Dang it…
I love seeing your chickens – I wondered what you were going to do when they started getting on everything, but you seem to be taking it in stride. We have about 50 in our fenced in back yard, we used to keep them penned but now they run all over the yard, they are pretty messy, but we love to watch them. I love the different color breeds, we have about 8 different ones. The eggs are so much better, you will be amazed. you’ll never go back to pale store eggs. And yes, they are hilarious when they run. Everytime I open the back door they run to me for treats. they are pretty ungainly!! Love your blog. I started one, but I cannot figure out how to link things.
They grow so fast! Don’t they tear up your gardens? Mine like to dig little holes and give themselves dust baths!
When we purchased our home in the country a couple of years ago, I also got to keep the residing chickens. It was a first for us and I have been enjoying chickens every since. I have mostly Americaunas and love gathering the colored eggs!! I have one that makes the funniest noises and when my 3 year old grandaughter heard her she told me she(the chicken) was laughing–now everytime I hear her, it makes ME laugh. Love watching them run…one side, then the other–so cute! Love your blog, I just recently started one myself~~~~~Lisha
Adorable! I love how each of them has her own personality! too cute! I would love to have chickens one day! my hubby wants nothing to do with such a thing! a friend of mine has chickens… and my kids loved them when they were little! =)
So glad you are enjoying your chickens. I have raised chickens for years, and I can’t imagine my life without them. I just hatched 10 chicks from an incubator, now I actually feel like a proud new momma!
Kate
PS- and I still swoon over your chicken coop. I showed my hubby your pics, he just kind of had a dazed look on his face. I don’t think it’s gonna happen here. Total bummer, if I had a coop like yours, I would move in it with my babies!
What a beautiful post I love your pictures of your chickens, surely made my night. Thank You Sincerely Jonny
yes, watching a chicken run is hilarious, but so is watching a human trying to run after them, to gather them up! It’s like the walk a human does while pushing an old reel mower across a bumpy lawn…
LilyOake
Last October I bought a Rhode Island Red Hen and a Buff Orbington. Ever since then, they are the joy of my life! They haven’t laid egg yet, but my time with them so far as been the best!!! They are such incredible giving creature and the sweetest!
I love this post and hope to see many more! Do you have a picture of your chicken coop that you would like to share?!
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