Chicken Mama

There are chickens living on my sun porch and it's fantastic! Raising chickens is something I've wanted to do for a few years. I'd done all the research on breeds and had settled on Barred Rocks. As it so often is with children, the best laid plans usually don't work out.

My sons and I stopped in at the local feed store after seeing their "We have chicks!" sign out front. They didn't have any Plymouth Rocks, but said they would order some. I called back the following week and the employee had no information on any poultry order. I was disappointed but determined.

My mom had seen an ad for Tractor Supply's Chick Week, so I loaded the kids in the car check it out. To my dismay, there were no Rocks only "mixed pullets". I apologized to my very disappointed children and told them we'd just have to wait a few more days. Somewhere between the bin of chicks and the door, I had a change of heart and said, "Boy's, let's just do it."


So now, instead of a flock of gorgeous Barred Rocks, we have a flock of mutts. Who am I kidding? The mutts suit us more anyway.

What I had not counted on when I got these birds is just how much they would enrich our lives. It has been a joy to watch my sons love on and care for these birds. It has been a source of endless humor to watch our cat, Trevor, lick his chops as he stares at the birds through the french door. I have loved watching them grow and enjoy their quiet chirping when I sit on the porch to read. And one day soon, our feathered ladies will provide fresh eggs for my family.

They may not be Barred Rocks, but we like them and they are sure to be the tamest flock on the block.