While I'm talking chickens, I thought I would post some new pics of Thelma and Louise. They have grown to be beautiful birds to which a happy healthy environment contributes. I love to see their feathers glisten in the sunlight.
Thelma when we first got her
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And, the beautiful bird she's become
Louise as a chick
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Louise today
As I was browsing through pictures to decide which ones to use, I came across this photo of Vanilli. We bought her at the flea market because we just felt so sorry for her. She was a prime example of an animal who was poorly kept. She smelled so bad we could barely get near her. Contrary to what you may think, healthy chickens who have the opportunity to take dust baths and preen do not smell. Her comb was scabbed over from being pecked continously by other chickens, and her whole backside was missing all of its feathers, either from being kept in a cage or from being picked on by other birds. She was a mess.
Today, Vannilli is a completely different chicken, and who would have thought her featherless hiny would have grown such fabulous tail feathers. We didn't. Plus she lays green eggs. Nate calls her our American Bald Chicken as she looks like an eagle to us.
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Finally, we have Pearl, our HHIC. She was our very first chicken and is our most special one. She's handicapped, but handles it like a champ! She's our best egg layer and a hawk attack survivor. And while she can be a mean old hen to the others sometimes, she's overall just a great chicken. She rules!
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We are so blessed each day to get eggs from our backyard and so thankful we don't have to contribute our money to a dreadful egg industry.
Happy homesteading,
Candace
Great photos, Candace! Those look like beautiful and happy birds! I didn't know the story about Vanilli - I love to hear about people helping animals in need. Glad to see that she has such a nice life now.
ReplyDeleteKeep the posts coming - I really do enjoy them! :)