It seems that chickens never do what you expect. These birds come and go from our lives each with their own story. Each breed has it’s own description and expected characteristic but so far, ours have constantly been a surprise. Below I will be sharing the characteristics of the birds we have had around along with some of their unique stories.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
We purchased Sapphire Olive Egger pullets from a local hardware store that receives its chicks from a hatchery. At first they looked close to expected, but as they grew up they kept turning more and more brown instead of the sapphire grey color we expected. Once fully grown up we were fairly certain they were not the Sapphire Olive Eggers, especially since they lay medium brown eggs instead of extra large olive eggs. I looked up their flat comb and brown feathers, then using the hatchery website was able to determine they are instead Blue Laced Red Wyandottes. Our girls tolerate humans but do not like to be picked up, in fact only one is will willingly let herself be picked up and only by the kids. They do love to perch, if you do manage to pick one up she will be much happier if you let her perch on your arm or even on your shoulder. Intrigue loves to perch so much she will even go for a ride on the hammock we set up during the Summer.
Silkie
Once again we brought home a surprise chick. This one was supposed to be a Lavender Orpington, but grew up to be a Silkie instead. Had we paid attention to the number of toes we would have noticed right away, by the time it began growing feathers on it’s feet we started really paying attention and realized it was the wrong breed. So Soft! Petting Fluffers is like petting a furry animal. Fluffers loves to dig holes and snuggle under the taller chickens.
Lavender Orpington
Lady Grey acts like the queen of the flock and is the friendliest of our chickens. If she wants a perch or a piece of food she usually gets it, the exception being a grasshopper when they catch one of those they won’t let go for anyone. She loves sitting on someone’s lap being gently petted and her fluffy feathers are very soft. She is definitely Lilly’s pet chicken.
Rhode Island Red
These girls have a lot of personality, they always seem to be watching you. So far these have been our best producers and are very friendly chickens. Although they don’t like to snuggle they come running to humans and allow themselves to be picked up and held for a short period. Total busy bodies; I always have company when cleaning the run or hen house. One of Lilly’s favorite games is to start a round of chicken races. If she starts running around the yard, these girls all start following her at top speed getting some good exercise.
