A Little Bit Grumpy

The chickens have been a bit feisty this week. They are eating more than ever, devouring the contents of the Barley Bucket and every tender new green shoot they spy emerging from the ground. They are molting a bit, and it the wind they seem to have loose, ruffled petticoats for undergarments. They have raised over $70 in egg donations for the Bellingham Food Bank this month, a good first month of work for urban flock.

Hunkering Down

The chickens seem to have adjusted to the heavy rains of winter, but are less than thrilled with the snow and high winds. Last week's blast from the north seemed to subdue them, and change their behavior. Normally they putter around the yard non-stop during daylight hours, but during the cold snap, they spent much more time curled up into giant feather balls.

The Other Side of the Fence

The chickens live in a yard that measures approximately 1000 sq. ft, with chain link and concrete walls separating them from the downtown business district. The fence facing the alley is one of their favorite hangouts, as most of the people responsible for feeding them park there, and the chickens seem to enjoy greeting their caregivers. The Barley Bucket from the brewery next door is also deposited a few times a week by the alley fence. The simple rhythm of chicken life, and the joy they find in routine with the occasional surprise (like an afternoon of worm-hunting after a heavy rain) is a fine model for us human folk as well.

Urban Explorations

The city chickens enjoy jumping up on the ledge and staring at the passersby through the chain link fence. On Farmer's Market days, they can usually entice goodies and on any day they attract a fair amount of attention. The garbage truck still scares them, while the approach of a car belonging to one of the studio instructors (and potential food giver) sends them tearing excitedly across the yard to greet and plea for treats.

Barley Bucket

The chickens anticipate the arrival of the Barley Bucket from Boundary Bay Brewery by waiting in a line at the gate. Within seconds of dumping the warm, steaming barley into the yard, the chickens begin to dig through the pile, spreading the pile into an edible carpet to be picked through and feasted upon for the rest of the day.

Snow in the Shade

The chickens seem to be coping with the sudden cold snap better than most of the people passing through. Born in August, they have yet to experience the joy of watching the garden come to life, the bugs start to crawl, the sun warming the grass after months of damp and cold. They are happy to scoot around the yard, feathers still full of winter fluff, while their keepers stare wistfully at the shaded patches of snow, cautiously hopeful that a new season is a week or two away.

Welcome to The Zen Hen

Find peace in the midst of your day by checking in with the flock at Core Kinetics Pilates.