One Big Happy Flock!

In Chickenlandia, there have always been chickens of many different varieties. I’ve had floofy ones, smooth ones, big ones, tiny ones, frizzled ones, silkie ones, fancy ones, scruffy ones, and everything in-between. I like to think of Chickenlandia as a reflection of what I someday hope the world can be, a place where everyone exists together in one big happy flock.

My flock enjoying each other’s company.

Alas, the world isn’t always what we want it to be. It seems now more than ever, conflict is at an all time high. Some of us seem to revel in the antagonism of our species, others fight against it, some totally ignore it, and some hide away. As I watch the behavior of my flock, I can’t help but see a bit of a reflection there. Especially when I’m integrating new chickens, like my three recent rescues, Double Chicken, Kiki, and Beast.

My three rescue seramas from the Whatcom Humane Society.

It took longer than I expected to integrate these three. Two of them are on the young side, and they are all smaller than my previously smallest chicken, Little Stinker. I honestly didn’t realize how small they were until I observed them next to my other bantams. And of course, they are REALLY small compared to my standard hens.

Big and Little!

Their integration was slow and required a lot of patience, but it wasn’t impossible. For about two weeks, they were able to see the flock and the flock was able to see them, but they could not get to each other. This prevented the most difficult of chicken nature from happening, which would include them hurting each other. After I put them all together, I still had to keep a very close eye on how they were doing as to prevent tragedy. Slowly but surely, my hard work paid off!

So, what did I learn about humanity from integrating chickens? I learned that if I want the world to get along, I have to do my part to encourage love. I learned that even though something might be part of our nature, we can still work to improve it. And I learned that as a human, it’s my job to look after the smallest and most vulnerable among us. I hope I continue to realize all the amazing things this flock has to show me. And I hope you do, too!

Have you always wanted to learn how to integrate bantams into a mixed flock? Maybe you’ve been afraid that they would get hurt but want to try? Every flock is different, but in my new YouTube video I explain how I make it possible for my flock to live together in peace and harmony. It goes right along with the spirit of Christmas, doesn’t it? Just click the play button below and enjoy. <3

What does your flock look like? Do you have different sized chickens living together? Let me know in the comments!

The Queen Mother of Chickenlandia

I’m so blessed to have a great relationship with my mom. She’s a very active seventy-six-year-old who travels way more than I have the energy for and still makes time to visit us about twice a year. When she comes, it’s all about making homemade tortillas, cooking amazing soups, and in general being an awesome grandma to my kiddos. That’s why she’s earned title of The Queen Mother of Chickenlandia.

Making homemade tortillas!

When I first came up with the idea to get chickens, my mom was skeptical. The Little King of Chickenlandia was a baby, and I already had my hands full with lots of responsibility. But I was determined to have a hobby that would be only for me, so my mom eventually took on the role of chicken grandma. It’s actually come pretty natural for her, because although chicken tending skipped a generation, my grandmother raised poultry in her native country of Guatemala.

The Little King of Chickenlandia with my Mamita Elsa (my late grandmother)

Turns out the pet-chicken-bug is contagious. A few years ago, my sister, The Pippa of Chickenlandia, adopted a flock of her own. She rivals me in her chicken enthusiasm and has become quite the chicken mama. Now if I can only get my oldest sister and my brother to join the fun (they’ve ensured me this dream will never come true lol).

The Pippa of Chickenlandia’s flock enjoying some Black Friday shopping!

When I was in the hospital giving birth to my youngest, my mom cared for my chickens like they were her own. And since she lives in Texas near my sister, she cares for her flock whenever her family goes on vacation. She’s such a good chicken grandma! Which is honestly not that surprising, because she is a really good mom, too.

The Queen Mother of Chickenlandia with a chicken puppet!

This past week, I got to sit down with my mom and show her how to sprout some grains. If you remember the video we did about fermenting chicken feed, you’ll know that we had a lot of fun. Not only did she learn how to sprout grains, I also presented her with a gift from Chickenlandia! It was just a token of my appreciation for being such a good chicken grandma. To see the gift and to learn how easy it is to sprout grains in a jar, check out my new video on YouTube. Just click the play button below! Remember to like, subscribe, and click the notifications bell so you never miss out on fun Chickenlandia videos.

Do you have a good chicken grandma in your life? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Thank You, Chickens, for Rescuing Me

I write a lot about the chickens I rescue, but not as much about how they rescue me. Many of you probably already know what I mean, but if you don’t, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you why I tell my flock each day, “Thank you, chickens, for rescuing me.” After all, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

This isn’t me, it’s a wonderful gif I found!

Someday, I’d love to tell you the story of my life. But for today, let’s just say that I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. I’m sure you have as well, because is there anyone who’s had a perfect life? I don’t think so. Watching my chickens each day, with their imperfections as so-called “non-show-quality” birds, I see their beauty despite what others may see as flaws. That’s also how I try to look at my life. There have been really tough times, but overall, I’ve been lucky enough that the joys outweigh the sorrow. I’m so thankful for this.

The Little Prince and The Little King of Chickenlandia. <3

This past year, I’ve had some health problems that have been tough to figure out. Nothing alarmingly serious, just inconvenient and puzzling. I’ve discussed it a little on my blog and I know many of you can relate. A big part of my relationship with chickens has to do with the way they motivate me each day. It doesn’t matter how I feel, the chickens need tending to. It’s snowing? They still need food and water. I’m too tired to get up? Too bad, they need to be let out of their coop. I must go outside and be in nature and listen to their calming noises. It’s good for me, and I’m so very grateful to them.

My flock. <3

So, along with my wonderful family and friends, I’m so thankful for this flock of mostly rescue chickens that continue to rescue me. It’s true, they’re not perfect. But neither am I, and in their imperfections I find my own peace with the ups and downs of my life. Thank you, chickens. And thank you to all of you who are with me on this journey. I love being in your flock!

To see Chickenlandia’s Thanksgiving Special: The Tiny Chicken Rescue, click the play button below! I think you’ll enjoy it.

 

What are you thankful for? Let me know in the comments!

Click here for my rescue dog page!

 

 

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