My husband and sons built my first coop from a plan we bought online. Soon, my tiny fluffballs turned into tiny raptors and quickly outgrew the garage. The coop was finished just in time for their summer move-in.
Because you don't ever really know for sure what you are getting in a batch of chickens, we quickly discovered we had a rooster in the group. My friend assured me that barred rock roosters are usually not very personable. I decided that was not going to work for me, so I found myself in the coop in the evenings holding my rooster and having chats with him.
The Life of Brian
I decided to name him Brian, after a temperamental boss I had. Brian had his days, but he wasn't as mean as some can be. Some roosters will hide, and you sprint across the yard hoping not to meet a spur in your leg. Brian wasn't mean - to me. Others didn't have that experience with him.
He liked to get in the way of my family doing their chores. There were several times while my son was out push-mowing the yard that I would get a text message from him that said, "Mom, come get your bird. He won't move from out front of the mower."
I would go outside, clap my hands, and say, "Brian, get over here!" One thing I loved about that bird is how well we listened to me. He would come running across the yard and strut around in front of me as if he had done nothing.
I once swore Brian had nine lives. He was the smallest chicken of the flock, had a hiccup instead of a crow, and I cannot recall how many times I felt I had saved his life.
When we moved to Michigan, he rode in his carrier and didn't crow one time. He did, however, wake up like a child would every time I stopped at a stop sign.
Brian and the flock enjoyed free-ranging in the new yard until he passed last Spring. I was devastated. He had become a part of my daily routine, and I looked forward to seeing what mood he would be in when I arrived at the coop each morning.
Big E
That year, Winter seemed like it lasted forever and I found I missed the antics we would have in the yard. But when Spring broke, much to our surprise, we had another first: our "sitters" hatched four eggs. One was a rooster we named Erik, also known as "Big E."
Big E was one of Brian's hatchlings and has become the protector of us all since Brian's passing. Big E is as mild-mannered as they come, and even tries to get into my car every time I leave!
Goldie, the Golf Cart Chicken
After the move to Michigan, I added to the flock again when I obtained some Buff Orpingtons and my sweet Goldie.
Goldie loves her golf cart rides and follows us across the yard, just in case we forget she's around. She is also the last one into the coop at night, which I swear she knows irritates me.
Goldie loves to be held and enjoys chilling on the front porch swing just as much as I do. I am convinced she would go wherever we want to take her, and I've thought about getting a chicken hammock for car rides. No, I haven't done it yet.
Padmae, The Lost Brahma
In addition to Brian, Erik, and Goldie, we have "Guiness," the Guinee hen, and "Padmae," the Brahma. We have 28 chickens total, but not all of them have names. The ones we name are the special ones who stand out with their personalities, and I swear, chickens do understand English!
Padmae likes to irritate me by taking off to the neighbor's yard and when I call her, she looks at me like a toddler testing her boundaries. Then, when I walk toward her, she walks as slowly as she possibly can back to the edge of our yard.
Guiness
Guiness is one loud bird. She has a squawk unique to her breed. Whenever she sees something she doesn't recognize, she makes her noise. She too, enjoys a wonder, and I often find myself looking for her, thinking she's lost again.
Once, when she was a chick, she got out of the coop. The grass in the ditch was tall, and I was scared she was going to get into the road. I mean seriously, chickens aren't always the brightest.
My mom, niece, and I took a broom to the weeds. Meanwhile, my son laughed hysterically as he videoed us. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure why we thought that would force her to return. I'd probably stay gone too if my humans were calling my name while swinging a broom. After her overnight of freedom, we found her outside the coop the next morning waiting to get in.
The Rest of The Flock
One thing all my chickens have in common is their love of treats. They know who feeds them and they do not hesitate to let me know when the food bowl is low. Anytime I have something in my hand they think it is for them and follow me around.
A few weeks ago, I was on my back patio with a bag of Fritos corn chips, and they went nuts. Normally, they get high-protein, chicken-approved snacks, but occasionally I'll give in like I did with the Fritos.
Most people don't seem to mind the birds being out, especially the children who visit and enjoy feeding treats to the chickens. One of my UPS drivers will not deliver if the birds are in the yard.
I have seen those bird videos where the unsuspecting UPS driver gets out of the van and gets chased. I have to admit, they are funny but none of my birds do that. They may look at you funny and make a little noise, but they don't really acknowledge strangers. If you don't have treats, they don't want to be in your space.
Our Breeds
- Barred Rock
- Buff Orpington
- Brahma
- Silver Laed Wyandott
- Rhode Island Red
- Araucana
Araucana are commonly called "Easter Eggers" for the colorful eggs they lay.
My family and friends have gotten used to my chicken stories. On social media, everyone loves chicken photos, and they can't seem to get enough of the videos we post. It has become one of the main things that comes up in conversation: "Stephanie, tell us about your chickens." The chickens have helped draw visitors to the farm, too.
Janette and her family look forward to visiting again this fall to pick pumpkins from our patch. They'll be bringing additional family members, and I will host a picnic for them.
Meet The Flock In Person!
If you'd like to set up a picnic and meet the flock, Contact Us to start booking your event!
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