I\'m Summer, a mouthy, sarcastic bitch. I\'m passionate about natural birth, long term breastfeeding, and living naturally. I curse too much, love tattoos, and will some day be crushed to death by my book collection. I homeschool, dream of gardening, and swing to the left. 
The Chicken Story
Image source – Dawn Allynn
I want chickens. There, I said it. I’ve been tossing the idea around in my head for a while but hadn’t put it out there in words yet. For a lot of people it sounds a little … wacky. Chickens, as pets. Crazy.
Amy and Sarah have egg laying pets and I’ve been reading their chicken adventures for so long I’ve got a need to hold something feathery in my arms. And though Trish and Arp have ducks it’s still feathered fun running around and laying eggs. I want a chicken. I want a chicken.
I spent nearly two hours the other day explaining in great detail all the many reasons why I want chickens, what breeds I like the best, and how great of an experience it would be for the boys. I’ve got to beat Dearest down with ideas like this. His anti-hippie sensibilities keep him firm in the “livestock are not pets” mindset. It takes a lot of energy to get him past the eye roll stage to the “it might be a good idea” stage. I did it with cloth diapers, organic food, and vaccines. I will prevail gain. Of course it helps that I’ve got Christine here showing up unexpectedly and going into her own chicken wanting ides.
By the way, he thinks we’re like the Borg. One of us gets an idea and we all have it.
I’ve been spending too much time at Backyard Chickens, and chasing Dearest around mking him look at the pictures and posts linked to by Amy (Crunchy Domestic Goddess). I’m plotting how to build a coop, arguing with Dearest tht a coop is not the same as a cage and therefore does not violate our lease (hopefully the landlady will see it the same way), and making lists of the breeds that are gentle and hardy. Meanwhile Dearest has been rolling his eyes and fretting that after I get chickens I’m going to want a goat. That’s not totally out of the question actually.
It’s not like I’m looking to live in a shack in the woods, stock piling for the end of civilization, and staring out my window with my rifles and Nikon rifle scopes. I’m not going crazy doomsday, unibomber. I just want a few chickens, a small backyard farm, and an apple tree. Is that so much to ask?
My mom has chickens at her farm, she just bought an extra large rabbit hutch and it works out perfect. There is a place for them to walk and a little cozy nesting section and then a larger indoor section for them to sit. Best hope you get your chicks!
Susan Lindgren´s last blog post..Day One No Twitter
I want chickens so bad. People are always tempting me by giving them away on my Freecycle.I cannot wait until next year when we finally have our own homestead (I hope)
Jupiter´s last blog post..Now if my wife is my grandmother Then I’m her grandchild And every time I think of it It nearly drives me wild
I want chickens, too! My city just passed a law allowing up to four urban chickens. But I rent and am afraid to ask the land lord. think I might just ask for forgiveness instead of permission…
Rebecca´s last blog post..Cooking healthy on a budget – Buying from the bulk bins and cooking with Polenta
So glad to be of help! I did the whole subtle mention of chickens a few months back, thinking my guy would do the typical eye roll. Instead, he said, “We had chickens when I was little. That would be cool.”
I was prepared for weeks of education and harassment. He just handed it to me!
So, yeah, I think we should join forces on the goat thing in 2010!
Christine´s last blog post..Magical Milk Pic-O-The-Week
I want chickens too! I grew up on a farm and there’s nothing better than farm fresh eggs. If you don’t eat eggs, they’re still fun. They really are. I’m planning on getting some this spring, whether my husband likes it or not.
Thanks for the backyardchickens link. I hadn’t heard of it.
BTW, I’ve tagged you: http://chocolatefingerprints.net/?p=650
I’m right there with you! OBSESSED with the idea of getting a chicken in my suburban backyard. It’s funny b/c Newsweek just did a blurb about this increased interest in “backyard chickens”.
And, my son, who is afraid of SO many things? He LOVES chickens. His whole face lights up near them.
My favorites are Bantams but not sure how they are for eggs. Thanks for the links b/c I’m checking them out. I’m also excited to read that a rabbit hutch might work. I was concerned that I’d need some huge shed-like area for a few birds. . .
Fairly Odd Mother´s last blog post..My VBAC Stories
Yay I was linked! I love our girls. They’re fun.