We now have a flock! Does that make us legit farmers or what? Every morning when I hear that cock-a-doodle-do I feel pretty legit! Chickens are fascinating creatures – I love watching them – especially the puzzled look on their face when I try to make the same noises they do.
Fortunately, our farm came with a chicken coop circa 1940s. The floor is patched and uneven with an abundance of cracks in the walls but the charm is undeniable. Because the previous owners had sectioned off a corner with 2x4s and wire it was easy for the amazing farmhand Adam to make some final adjustments while I test drove the new shop vac cleaning the floors.
Next step: insert chickens.
Originally we planned to get baby chicks and go the brooder route until we saw this
hanging on the wall of our local feed store.
Enter Roy Autry, a poultry man for over 30 years! The Autrys have been in this area since the 1870s with a rich heritage in the farming business. This is the kind of stuff I like – God leads us right to a treasure trove of knowledge! Be sure to check out their website here .
Since it takes about 5-6 months to go from baby chick to egg layer we decided to purchase older birds from Roy so we wouldn’t have to wait so long for eggs. Our girls should start laying in about a month.
And now, without further ado, meet our flock!
We have 2 Buff Orpingtons, better known as the golden girls. Please say hello to Gertrude and Gladys. Gert and Glad are practically twins so if you get them confused don’t worry about it! They pretty much answer to either name especially if you have a treat in your hand.
Buff Orpingtons are usually pretty docile and as you can see quite fluffy. We have that in common, the fluffiness…
And this is Velma, our Rhode Island Red whose red is actually closer to mahogany.
She tends to be a little on the shy side but we are expecting many eggs from our little Velma.
Next, we have Mildred the Java girl. Mildred has shimmery black feathers, and like most Javas comes with great foraging skills.
She does not register quite as high on the fluff meter as Gertrude or Gladys and while she seems a bit on the nosy side, is actually quite lovable.
No flock is complete without the crower himself and this is where we need your help because – – he doesn’t have a name!
We certainly can’t call him roo for two reasons:
1. It’s undignified
2. It’s too close to Ruwa, our Aussie’s name
So please, help us figure out a name! He’s been unidentified for over a week!
Mr. ____, [who at this time remains nameless] is a cross
between a Java and a Buff Orpington. He has a beautiful orange-russet collar and black feathers which shimmer green in the sunlight.
He’s protective of his ladies and he’s got his cock-a-doodle-do down pat.
Now, quick, while they’re not looking
send me some names!
My roo is missing his moniker and needs to discover his true identity!
Afterward, the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days. ~ Hosea 3:5