At four years old, most little girls ask their parents for a puppy or a pony. Not me. I asked my father for pet chickens, and from the day I got those ten little barred rock peeps, I was obsessed with chickens. 

Me at 4 yrs old with a barred rock hen named Chicken Little

As a little girl, I was always fascinated by my neighbor's pet chickens. My one neighbor had a chicken named Chickadee, and she even took that chicken Halloweening one year. That most likely sparked my interest in poultry. When I asked my dad if I could have some pet chickens, he remembers thinking, “She’ll probably just grow out of liking chickens, and we will be getting rid of them in a few months.” Boy, was he wrong. Thirteen years later, and my love for my feathered friends has only grown stronger. 

Posing with Fudge before last year's Prom

Within those thirteen years, I have experienced the joy of watching a new baby chick hatch under its mother, and I have also endured the hardship of losing many hens (and baby chicks) that I was very fond of. Many people do not understand that a chicken isn't just a pile of feathers that people use for meat and eggs. Chickens are very friendly if you treat them like you would a pet dog or cat. I've noticed that each chicken has its own personality. Some are curious little buggers that are always exploring and digging up my mom's flowers; others just like to lay in the sun and relax. One thing that all chickens have in common is they all love spaghetti, mealworms, bread, and cookies. 

Fudge's sister Butterscotch checking out the flower bed

Whenever I get a new chicken, I give it a name and (no matter how hard I try) I always get attached to it. That makes giving the mean roosters away a hard thing to do. The attachment I have to my chickens makes it heartbreaking to watch a hen, or rooster, die. But I learned very young that dying is just a fact of life. 

Chickens have become a major part of my life, and I am now known as “The Crazy Chicken Lady” and “Chicken Farmer” by many. Who would have thought that those birds in my backyard would be so important to me (and other people who love visiting and holding my chickens)? Not many people understand how awesome pet chickens can be. I am very fortunate to be able to see how chickens can brighten someone’s day. It is a great feeling seeing someone visit the chicken house and to instantly see a positive change in their emotions. If you ask me, I believe everyone should, at some point in their lives, own a chicken. It is truly life-changing and fun. 

Little Dorothy, who I call Dory for short

Stay tuned for Part 2!