Of Flocks and Philanthropy

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For the past few weeks, our rapidly growing chickens have spent the day outside in a mobile pen.  The big girls can see them, as can the cats.  The big chickens seemed interested in the smaller birds.  The cats were totally uninterested in the birds, but liked to snooze on top of the pen.  Mighty predators, indeed.

This weekend, Robb and I decided to see what would happen if we let the little chickens out into the wider world.

We locked Smog in the house, because all he wants to do is play Chase Me, and while he finds that game hilariously amusing, almost nobody else does.  We figured we didn't need to stress out the little birds by allowing Smog to chase them around the yard.




The smaller birds stuck close together, but weren't at all nervous around the larger flock.   Don't they look tiny next to Isabella?






Harriet, who was supposed to raise them and failed so miserably seemed only mildly interested.

I imagine them shouting "You're not our Real Mom!"




The most absurd part of the all this was when all the big girls squeezed into the pen and gorged themselves on baby food. 

We still have to figure out how to integrate the little birds into the sleeping arrangements in the henhouse.  At the moment, I'm still catching them and bringing them in for the night.  I'm hoping we can get this sorted out this week, because Robb and I are going out of town for our annual fundraising ride this weekend.  I'd rather not burden a pet-sitter with chicken-catching duties.




And speaking of which, we have not quite met our fundraising goal for the BORP ride.  I've been sick, dragging around with some kind of sinus problem.  I have enough energy for work, but not much else. 

Every year, Robb and I participate in a fundraising ride that benefits the Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (BORP), a wonderful organization that provides recreational activities and mentoring for people with disabilities. BORP was a great resource for us when Robb was first recovering from his spinal cord injury, and we think they do particularly wonderful work with severely disabled children.

If you could spare even a small amount, we'd be hugely appreciative.  Click here for more information.  And thank you.


Comments

Hopefully the little girls and big girls will get along during the transitioning process. I would love to get chickens next year. I just need to convince the hubby that they would make egg-cellent pets.
David Velten said…
Given the size of the big girls and their talons and beaks, I think the cats are just showing self-preservation instincts by feigning disinterest.
Margaret said…
Couldn't have said it any better than Thomas - I too have a chicken challenged husband.
Daphne Gould said…
The cats around here won't even go after the squirrels. I couldn't imagine one taking on a chicken. Maybe the little ones though.
Norma Chang said…
The cat sure looks relax and comfortable on top of the coop. Wish I could have chicken where I live.

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