I've Gone Country A blog about a city girl learning a whole new world

The first week the girls were at their new home, they didn’t really know where they were supposed to be sleeping.  Each night for about a week, I chased chickens around the yard at dusk, so I could put them to bed.  Most nights I was successful.  Sometimes one or two would hide under the coop.  I would have to wait until dark and go back see if they had tried to roost somewhere.   I would shine a light onto the front porch and sure enough….those that had hidden…would be perched on the rocking chair arm or in the flower box.

It looks as if they go into a trance when they sleep.   Come to think about it…I guess we do too.

I could walk up to them….pick them up…without any fussing on their part and put them in the coop.

One day it was like someone turned a switch.  They went to bed on their own.  I thought something was wrong….but when I checked on them…they were all tucked in for the night.   They have all adapted…..and it sure made life easier for me.   I can almost set my watch to the time that they will go into their house for the night.  Now, I just go close their door….of course I have to go inside and count them all….and I tell them goodnight.

In the mornings…. I open their little doors so they can walk outside.  And…well….I have to sing —rise and shine—to them.  I sing as I feed them…and they waste no time running to eat.  Maybe they are just trying to get away from the singing.  In any case…they hurriedly make their way to breakfast.

And every morning….. the rooster just has to stand in the feed trough.

This is the little culprit.   He is easy to tell apart from the girls because his comb is bigger, he is thinner than they are…no offense girls… and his legs are a good bit longer.

They are all really sweet.

I have always named every critter that has come to our little farm.  Well, with the exception of the goldfish.   I tried…but that didn’t work.  Anyway, I really want to name them and know who they are.

I sat on the stairs to the porch, so I could just observe them.  Hoping that I might see different feather patterns or something.   In a matter of a minute or so, they all ended up on the porch with me.  One by one they came up close…..observing me….I suppose.  They are very inquisitive.

This one was interested in my camera.

She had a little mud on her beak from free ranging in the wet yard.  But, I didn’t tell her….you know it is kinda awkward…like when someone has something stuck in their teeth.   Maybe that is why she was looking at me like that…maybe I had something stuck in my teeth!

They all look so much alike… I truly cannot tell them apart.  I thought that after a while I would be able to distinguish who was who by personality or something…..NOPE.

So, I have come up with a great idea to solve that problem.   I think I will paint each hen’s toe nails a different color.  Then I can memorize who is who.

I’m not so sure these girls are up for a pedicure.   I just might be back to chicken chasing.

Meanwhile…. I guess I will just enjoy being around them.

Although… I am still thinking up names….and…. rounding up nail polish….

JUST SAYING.