What do you chickens mean to you?

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Linda in San Diego

Linda in San Diego

Songster
11 Years
May 11, 2008
998
10
151
San Diego
I read posts here all the time. Many folks are new to chickens but many are people who have had chickens for years. I got chicken fever last year and took a day off work (which I hate to do even when I am really sick) to go get the chicks. The Delightful Dozen have been just that.
So I am wondering, what do your chickens mean to you?

For me my chickens mean a connection to the past and future. When talk is about sustainability, chickens are right up there. They reproduce when kept in an appropriate ratio. They eat what I don't want/need. They give me food everyday....in fact today they provided a quick and simpe dinner - Huevos Rancheros!

My chickens provide entertainment and speculation. When we walk to the front gate in the morning, the hens come running from all over the yard. We can actually hear their feet pounding behind us. When we come out into "their" yard with something in our hands it is " all hands on deck" and again, we hear them before we see them. We suggest that that must have been what dinosaurs acted like in the way back when.

Connections and good basic food - that is what my chickens mean to me.

How about you?
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Linda, I've enjoyed reading about your "Delightful Dozen" over the time you have been posting.

A rooster in his prime is incredibly colorful and has "style" - - don't you think
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If we didn't have chickens, we'd need to invent them. I can hardly imagine a critter with more curiosity. There single-mindedness of purpose is incredible. We've probably all seen a hen try to stare down a dog to get in his feed bowl
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I appreciate their productivity and really value the food that they provide. I've learned that the British often refer to protein as albumen whereas Americans know albumen as egg white. As a standard, egg protein is top quality. And, yolks make the best desserts.

I made a quiche as my contribution for Sunday dinner. Cheddar & Swiss cheeses, ham, shrimp, milk, bell pepper, and sautéed onions but the #1 ingredient was the 6 eggs. It was beautiful, tasty and well complimented
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The hens don't require much from me. I've got one "complainer" but she does all the complaining for the others. It's hard to imagine what she'd be doing if it wasn't carrying on about something. Each has her own personality but they all are just as "straight up" as a good dog - maybe not as affectionate but certainly as honest.

Steve
 
I got the chickens for the eggs, but somehow they snuck into my heart. I love watching their fluffy little butts as they tromp around the yard, digging for goodies. They crack me up when they run around with their heads down, topedo style. When I sit in the chair in their run they take turns jumping on my lap and hunkering down for pets, cooing at me.

I know they aren't brilliant or obedient, they won't rescue anyone from a burning building, but I adore them. I can't believe I went for 35 years not knowing how much enjoyment the goofy birds can give their owner. I like them even more than the dogs (don't tell them), almost up there with my favorite cat. Plus the eggs are delicious!
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They are a teaching tool for me to use with my kids.

You can take a little chick and ask your child what it will become.

Will it become a dog?

Will it become a cat?

Will it become a dinosaur? (Sorry... not talking about Nugget here)

Of course not they say, they'll end up being a regal rooster or a wonderfully producing pullet.

Then I teach them, "You are a child of a loving and caring God. He is Our Everlasting and Eternal Heavenly Father and we pray to Him everyday. That, is your potential."
 
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This sums it up very well for me, except that I went almost 40 years not knowing! I couldn't have said it any better, but I'll add my own take anyway.

Chickens provide all of the serenity and relaxation of bird-watching, but you can grab one and pet it like a puppy. It is a very mutualistic relationship; For a small amount of care and feed, they lay fresh eggs daily, and help nourish my family. They keep me connected to the land and help me feel a bit more self sufficient and secure in the face of a vast and anonymous global food supply chain that seems fragile for all its complexity. They help me learn, and to teach my kids how to nurture and to care for others, and about the circle of life.

And they are funny, often hysterically so. Especially when they run full tilt with their heads down (torpedo style), trying to show the cat who's boss. Each one is unique and has their own personality, their own quirks. And they make me feel loved (or at least appreciated) when I go out with the treat bucket or dig them some worms.

I don't know how I got by before I had chickens.
 
I agree with everyone - my chickens add a measure of relaxation, fun and happiness to our lives..............and they also provide the best eggs I have ever tasted. When my mum was frail and unable to eat many types of food my eggs helped to keep her going and when she reteurned to her home she missed the brilliant colour of their yolks and the fantastic taste. I was without chickens for a few months once after a fox attack and hated being without them. They are brill!!
 
There is something very relaxing about them. They help to ground me. I love to sit on my deck and what how they relate to each other. Taking care of them is no chore to me I enjoy it. I love to show them off to people, my co-workers have got to get tired of hearing about them.

Yes I do love the eggs too. My DH makes a mean omlett.
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