What's Happening:
November 11, 2008
WOW! Where did the year go? November already, and it is nearly 2009. Time to make a resolution to get at least one more chicken next year. And, isn’t the weather great now? Makes one forget about our Phoenix summers. Yeah, right.
My flock is doing well. The French Marans are becoming very nice young ladies, and moving on out. Pierre lives at a day School in Paradise Valley. He really moved up to the East Side! Two hens are living with a reporter from Channel 15, and should be TV stars in December or January. I will let you know when the segment airs. Should be fun. The segment will cover the creation of a backyard vegetable garden complete with two hens. Two more hens moved to the east side of Phoenix, and six went to the west side. Along with these six hens, two young Maran cockerels went, and also my buddy, Rodney. I miss him. Quite a guy. Sure the neighbors are happy about it though.
Lily continues to live on the patio, and sleep in a flower pot. Friends are visiting from Michigan, and Mary Lou likes to sit on a patio swing and knit during the day. Lily came and sat next to her today, swinging and enjoying the time. They sure do enjoy our company.
Now, how about some fun facts and things you never knew about chickens?
There are four towns in the United States that contain the name “Chicken.”: Chicken, Alaska, Chicken Bristle, Illinois and Kentucky, and Chicken Town, Pennsylvania.
Chicken, Alaska was originally to be named Ptarmigan in honor of a local bird species. Unfortunately, no one could spell Ptarmigan so the name was changed to Chicken. Hmmm, wonder if Sarah Palin can spell Ptarmigan even if she shot one?
Chickens have been tested to see how they react to human faces. The ones they prefer are consistent with human sexual preferences. In other words, they like beautiful people.
In 1863, Charles Darwin published an inventory of the chicken breeds existing at that time – all 13 of them. The American Poultry Association now recognizes 115 breeds of chickens.
In other news:
With the holidays fast approaching, how about some ideas on buying presents for your chickens or your chicken lovers friends? Check out Chicken's Suits line of clothes for your hens and roosters. They have two great models, ernie and franco!
In the gallery area, you will see pictures of poultry up for adoption. Some pretty cool poultry. Chris in central Phoenix needs to find homes for his four African Grey Geese, and one Peking White Goose. Geese make great “watchdogs”.
Denise from Rainbow Valley Nursery has some really cool chickens for sale. Only $5.00 each for breeds you don’t see in this area very often. The chickens are two to three years old, still laying eggs, but not productive commercially. Denise is a great person, and loves her hens. She would like to find homes for these neat birds. I am thinking about getting the Mottled Hoodans!
And the little guy…. Wonderful bantam rooster Becky found wondering the streets in Phoenix. He is a gem. Feathering, colors, shape, and personality. But, then he begins to crow…… OUCH! His call is like fingernails on a chalk board! He was in my house and heard Callum Blue crow. Then the contest began. Back and Forth. Would have loved to keep him, but his size is not compatible with my guys.
If you are interested in any of these birds, email me!
Well, enjoy November. The economic breakdown is hitting us all. But, remember a “Chicken in Every Pot”. Or at least two chickens in every back yard!
Enjoy the autumn!
Jim
