After keeping chickens for a while and spending time with them, I think you will realize that there is a great deal that people can learn from watching a flock grow old together. I’ve been feeling so saddened lately with all that I am hearing, watching, and reading about in the world. Sometime I begin to wonder if there is any decency left in this human race that I am apart of. No longer are heinous events limited to those of a certain age, area, or group. They are melting across all parameters of our existence. It’s these times when I try to take time to unplug and remember the simple joys and happiness that surround me. To me, happiness is a flock of chickens.
The chickens help to keep us grounded. Taking a walk out to the coop is a wonderful way to notice the little things. One the way to the coop this morning, I swear I could smell spring in the air. That little bit of “electricity” with each breath I took. The song birds have also changed their tunes. They are those that are familiar to me with the arrival of spring. Perhaps they are mating or courting songs, I can’t help but smile at their jolliness!
As I arrive at the coop, everyone is talking to me. “Good morning!” “Let us out!” “What’s taking you so long?” There they are prancing about back and forth waddling and jockeying themselves into the best position at the pop door. As I lean down to open the wee door, one of them squeezes past Sometimes two at a time go through that tiny little opening no more than 12 inches wide. Like popcorn popping, through the door they go, out and about to greet the day and the world with a lust for life.
Their days are simple. Their needs are low. Their demands are non-existent. They sometimes agree to disagree. Sometimes they avoid one another and other times they take a dust bath together. They fight but always make up before bed. They have their differences. They have their own thoughts sometimes. Yet they are different.
They can agree to disagree. They do not intentionally tease or try to provoke others. They realize that they need one another for the good of the flock.Their needs are simple and easily met. They are happy with having “enough”. Sometimes,they don’t find it necessary to cross to the other side of the road. They know when to keep to themselves. They respect one another and their places in the pecking order.
Sometimes it does seem possible that chickens are smarter than people. I’ve had lots of people write in to tell me that they’d rather spend time with their flocks than people. You know, sometimes, I have to agree. Sometimes, it’s good to feel like you belong to the flock. No one is there to judge. Unless of course, you come out with a handful of meal worms or scratch. Then somehow you automatically reach super chicken stardom status.
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
20 thoughts on “Happiness is a Flock of Chickens”
That's such a sweet photo. I think I would easily enjoy sharing life with a flock of chickens. Maybe someday. 🙂 Deb
Someday for sure! I know you would love it.
I can tell you have spent time with the chickens, mine too are so excited to leave the coop in the am that they walk over them self. I love by birds – they see me open my door and they use all their might to see what 'treat' I have for them…
Can I have permission to re-post this wonderful story to our Central Oregon Chickens 101 FB group? Thanks in advance!
Hi Mary, Thank you for asking. That is so thoughtful of you. Please feel free to share a paragraph or two and then direct them to this blog post to read the rest. Please don't forget to give me credit too. That would be great. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
really nice post, I love my chickens and totally agree with you on your entire post. Sweet picture also
deezie
Thanks! I love that we can relate.
My husband gave me a sweatshirt for Christmas that says "All I care about are my chickens…and like maybe 3 people." That's pretty close!
What a wonderful sweatshirt! How cute!
I need to get me a shirt like that!
I always tell people that if they are down or discouraged to come and sit for a while with my hens. They never fail to make me smile. If it is a slow morning to get going, once I get out to the coop it all changes. The gang is full of energy. And your comment about the handful of treats is spot on. Great article, thanks!
Aw… understood!
xo
Your comments are very true. We had no idea how much we would enjoy our chickens and how much we would learn from them!
Love this post. I feel the same. I can't wait till spring and summer. I miss sitting outside with the flock. Sometimes I sit on a stool in their coop in bad weather and give them their treats. They all want to be the first one to jump on my lap.
Sweet!! When I retire . . . . . .
Thank you for your beautifully worded observation. Your words brightened my day-
I love your chicken stories, and i love my girls!They are such a joy, happy to greet me in the .morning, busy with their chicken business, during the day, and always the ones that seek my lap for hugs and cuddles, are special buddies.
I love this post and totally agree with you 100%! I also love your blog. I'm new to chickens as of last April. I started with 5 little chicks and now they are quite the lovely ladies and I just love them to pieces. Before I got them, I knew nothing about chickens, so I was so happy to find your blog and your online chicken care guide. I read through everything and learned so much, so thank you!
Wonderful story, glad I found Tilly's Nest. First time chicks to be here end of Feb. Getting so excited! reading, reading, reading. And I am just retired in 2012! ..Stephanie
I agree. I would much rather be with my chickens, then with people most of the time.