Musings on Animals #1: Working Girls

My hens are great. They are funny, friendly, and fastidious workers. My daughter made a “Girls Working” sign to put out when the “girls” are on the job. They help me clear undergrowth, de-bug the garden, cultivate the soil and leave fertilizer. The “man” (main rooster), watches out for anything that could be dangerous. The chickens work hard all day. They are not abused, coerced, or under duress. We love our chickens, and they all have names. They interact with us socially, and provide hours of amusement with only the need for food and shelter. They don’t expect that even, but we provide it for them.

My point here is that animals do what they do, and don’t question it. They are working animals, but are delighted to get out there and dig. I have no objection to working animals—as long as they are free to do it, provided for adequately, and given adequate room, I have no problem with it. I have a problem with cramped quarters with dead “colleagues” nearby. I have a problem with unnecessary meds. I have a problem with ignored animals.

Our chickens are spoiled, yes, but others could do quite well on a family farm with less attention. I am for the family farm, and am saddened by the demise of so many. I applaud those that adapt well enough to continue. I have seen them add a little store out front, plant corn mazes, host field trips, and so on.

Let’s support Family Farms!

Back to the girls…
We have one hen named “Zebe” (short for Zebra). As you might have guessed, she is striped. She is a barred rock. She is so great, that if people are talking in the yard, she walks right up, and starts to join the conversation. I realize people’s expectations of chickens is probably low—in reference to them as pets, but they are great company outside, while gardening, or just taking it all in. She has brought me hours of joy. They have all brought us great amusement, and have help to teach my kids better communications skills by trying to figure out what a language-less being is trying to convey. They are a great study in animal behavior. We have learned so much from them.

I hope to post some of our funny stories here.
Robin

-- Robin282, Zone 7, SE Coast of MA, USA