Just realized that we have had our girls, Mabel and Barbara for over 2 years. Yes they have been cruising around our backyard, as a part of our family, and made our lives richer in the process.
What is a chicken? There are a variety of answers to this question. To Cal and I, our chickens are precious pets who chortle, make us laugh, lay eggs and come a running when we head out the door to the yard.
Each has her own distinct personality, and way of getting what she wants.
Barbara is bossy, assertive and very focused. She is a pretty girl, with plenty to say on almost any topic. Last week I went out to move her out of the nest as she was keeping Mabel out and had already laid her egg. She got so MAD at me, and cursed me out in chicken talk, at the top of her lungs for several minutes. How dare I move her off her nest!! She was indignant.
Mabel is our sweet, mellow little Amauricana who loves to be held and petted. Her little chortles are just divine. She is a gentle girl, who daintily takes the raisin from your finger tips, while Barbara will jump 2 feet off the ground to grab a raisin, nipping your finger with her beak in the process.
As different as they are, they are pals. If they lose sight of each other as they wander around the yard, they will immediately start calling to the other" where are ya sissy?" They both want attention and love being talked to and praised.
They are funny girls who have brought so much joy into our lives, just by being themselves. I simply cannot imagine not having them in our life. Right now as I sit in the living room with my laptop, I can see them dashing by the sliding door, peeking in, wondering what I'm up to. I'll go our in a few minutes, give them some cherry tomatoes, and have our nightly chat before their bedtime.
Love me some Mabel ad Barbara! Get two chickens! It will enrich your life, BUT, only if you love chickens,
