Beautiful Chickens!

For xmas last year my fabulous English Mummy & Pa bought me the MOST incredible book.

BEHOLD!

 

As I opened the parcel - I realised it's at times like this that you know someone's really listened to the things that excite and fill you with joy (or heard you babble incessantly about things you just *have* to have!) One of these - for me - happens to be, the Humble Hen. I could barely contain my glee as I leafed through the pages...

I mean... look at THIS beauty!! 

This is a 10 Weeks Old Blue/Grey Langshan Chicken

Aged around four, I have a vivid memory of being taken to an old Country House one summer - and for a tiny sum, we were handed a plastic party cup filled with seeds. In seconds numerous hens came running towards me; swarming and CLUCK CLUCKing all vying for the seeds. Except, Four-year-old me didn't quite see it that way...!

I screamed and scrambled as high up on my father as possible - trembling, and perched on his shoulders, I demanded to know, "Why are they LAUGHING at me?!?!" 

Black Orpington Hen

I was born in a city in Northern Ireland, and spent my summers in the rural North-West of Ireland. We eventually upped sticks and moved there in 1997/8, living in rented houses across two townships there.

Now; anyone who grew up in the country will usually tell you that it was lovely, if difficult at times. The harsh & grim winters Donegal offer only serve to lessen the "rose-tinted" aspect of discussing the practicalities of country livin'.

I went to Art College in a small city in the West of Ireland, then relocated here to the UK in 2006. I currently live in the centre of a small-ish city with a population of approx. 156,000. Now that I've semi-settled here (after many nomadic years in my childhood as well as a "grown up" - moving house around 40 times to date, 5 years in one place is an accomplishment!) I hanker after the country again.

I mean, imagine waking up in the morning, putting the coffee on, then deciding to have some fresh eggs; heading out to the coop to be greeted by THESE ladies...

Brown Orpington Hens - bok bok bok! :)

Of course, I am not biased solely towards these Broody Babes... I would equally love a Pet Duck. All plump and soft, nestling up to my lap of a winter evening... I think I could *even* overcome the mild terror I experience when surrounded by 11 hissing geese...

But the jewel in the crown would have to be...

The Chinese Painted Quail.

I shall leave you to bask in it's beauteous glory... and wish everyone a Happy Friday and bid you Adieu.x