Thursday, February 14, 2013

Chicken Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Good afternoon, Lucky Penny. Would you like to visit the garden?

Yes. Yes, she would like to visit the garden, and dash under the barn, and scratch in the straw. The chicas don't enjoy the same free-ranging liberties, not since our Bird House has become the target of a long list of predators. In the afternoons, when we are in the yard tinkering and making, we like to let the chicas out for a stretch and a stroll. If we are really generous and patient, we let the goats join us, too!

I love the moment when the coop door is unlatched, and opened, and the chicas prepare for their exit. Penny is always first. She pops up, and in a flash she flies out... unless I crouch real close, with my Big Black camera clicking and whirring in her face. She hesitates, and I get my chance to capture a favorite moment.

Come on Lucky Penny! It's all clear. She will launch herself, and immediately duck beneath the barn, which is a quick and easy entry into the goats' yard. The goats' yard is where she knows there are interesting places to scratch and peck.

Waiting their turns... we see the tufted head of Shebot, then her sister, Kamen, and the Lady herself, Betty Orpington. Penny has had enough of my Big Black camera. Time to explore!

Well, Kamen, Betty, how's it shakin'?

Kamen had all the time she needed to asses the situation, and she makes her calculated escape.

Now Betty! She's spry, for a dowager hen. She's the one that will lead the rest to the kitchen door, where she hopes she can get in to help sweep lunch from under the dining table.

Hello, lovely Shebot. She is a fast mini-bot, except when it's her turn to fly the coop. She makes a slow and cautious survey, and dares not leap from the roost. She stands in the entry, considering her options. She would take the elevator if it were an option.

Scanning, and debating. She knows coops ought to come with a comfortable ramp entry. This two foot drop is an unseemly descent, she sighs. I only have to imply that I will help her out to motivate her.

Well, Ada? Have they all cleared out?

They've flown the coop!

I do love watching my chicas, and goats.
In the name of love, I hope you are enjoying all manner of sweetness, too!


6 comments:

judy in ky said...

I love watching them too. Your little documentary is so much fun. Their characters really shine through.

judy in ky said...

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day!

Unknown said...

I'm beyond jealous that you can be outside right now. Too much snow, too much cold. No fun. Love the pics and commentary!

Anonymous said...

Happy valentines day!

Jenn in California

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

So many crazy goats!
Maria <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Hello, Maria! You're posting in my name, now?
Funny little cutie.