I happen to believe that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. Sometimes, there is just a certain way that a person looks at you and there are no needs for words. Volumes are spoken, exchanged, and entire conversations happen somewhere on another level. Hearts and souls connect. I find these moments magical.
This happened when I met Olive. It had been a couple of years since we added baby chicks from the feed store to our flock, but this past spring it was time. We had lost Autumn, Dolly and Tilly and it seemed only right to add to the flock. I love seeing baby chicks at the feed store. There is something about the warmth of the heat lamp and tiny little fuzz balls running all over the brooder. I swear I can feel my heart smile!
The time had come to pick a Barred Rock. As all the other little blurs of fuzz were running around, I could see one little chick with her head cocked upward toward me. Our eyes met and she did not stop staring nor did I. I picked her up. She stared back at me with these intense slate colored eyes. It was as if time stood still. We connected. Our hearts had a conversation and there was no way that I could put her down only for a second. I was afraid I would lose her among the other happy cheeping fluff balls. I think they thought I was crazy at the feed store. She was only a $3.00 chicken. In fact, the sales woman said to me, “I don’t think anyone picks out chicks like you. They usually just scoop them into the box.” I told her maybe that’s because no one sees what I see.
Fast forward to today. It has been almost 10 weeks and Olive still gazes at me with a certain intensity that I have never experienced. It is almost as if she is trying to understand and I’m supposed to explain things to her. I have already decided that she is wise beyond her age and species. I’m looking forward to getting to know her over the years and the lessons that she will teach me. This is one of my favorite joys of keeping chickens, learning through observation. Chicken school is universal. You just have to pay attention in class.
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
8 thoughts on “When Souls Connect”
I feel the same way about my girls – they each seem to have their own special personality. I find peace watching them enjoying life.
I have a barred rock who is just like that ! She follows me everywhere and just chatters at me till I pick her up, give her a scratch and then she wanders off, content . I adore my chickens! They are all special and have unique personalities.
Love your post……………………..
I know that look! I am so glad someone else feels that way too. With only 4 chickens, I can look in their eyes and know what they want or are teasing for. My Rosy calls me from the kitchen, that it is time to let them out. I am sure she watches to see me in the window. Love this post.
I love getting chicks. I have only raised one batch but plan on getting more in the spring. A couple barred rocks for sure. I don't pick mine out at the feed store as I'm afraid I'll get a rooster. instead i order them on line because they say it's like 99% sure they will be hens!
OMG! I have a barred rock from our last chicks (we only got two chickens and we got 3 ducks last time we added to the flock) and she is the same, she is the sweetest and just talks to me all the time I am in there, and walks in between my legs, she is more dog than chicken, I take her out of the run and we go bug hunting. I had one other girl like that and I wished I could put diapers on them and let them live in the house cause they are so sweet. Thanks for your blog, I so appreciate it. Hugs, Di
I love this post!
I care for all of my chickens but there are certain ones who I connect with better too.