Hen-Parties: Time Well Spent with Izzy-the-Wise

Chickens have a lot of rules that resemble my household rules. They don’t like to be

startled, they like to hear kind words, they stick together in a crisis, they help one another with ‘projects’(hunting for bugs), they carry on friendly conversations. They post a ‘look-out’ hen at each side of the flock to ward off danger (we lock doors), They squawk when warning of trouble, we call 911, and they agree to snuggle in at bedtime with no fuss. Who doesn’t enjoy a downy blanket when sleepy?

Hen parties are part of our get-acquainted schedule, too. My girls like to sit on the lowest segment of my deck and ‘chill’. (see photo) A steady gentle murmur is kept up with everyone taking a turn. (we ladies in our neighborhood meet once a month at breakfast to ‘chill out together’ and stay in touch) My hens do this every day, imagine how close they are!

It was lovely in the shade today, so I attended their hen-party: on a step close-by, but not bearing treats. After they made sure no goodies were offered, they preened, murmured, and settled down near me at peace. I looked them in the eye and shared my latest news, told them how lovely they looked and commented on their good skills. We were very much at ease.

Later there was a break-through with four hens. One was Izzy! When I was cleaning their waterer, showed them I didn’t have anything in my hands, leaned over and tried to pet Ophelia, the largest Cuckoo Maran hen. Instead of skittering away, she hunkered down and let me pet her! I tried the same with Sandy, a Rhode Island Red. She allowed me to pet her, too. Unbelievable! Izzy was next! Maybe they learn from observing their sisters? It is not a ‘fait accompli’ yet, I’m still hoping my ‘girls’ will sometime soon let me pick them up and hold them quietly while petting them. This requires a great deal more trust, of course! Then they need to learn to trust others.

All I can think of is they know I will help them be safe and my voice soothes them. We are building a ‘family atmosphere’. Taking some time to see eye to eye with chickens is awesome: they really do look you in the eye, and it is doing no harm.

We fed the kind wolf today, my hens and I. Be well. Feed the kind wolf in your heart.

PHOTO ORIENTATION: IZZY IS CENTER FRONT, THE SPECKLED, LITTLE ONE.