Miss Blue's patchwork colors; Uma2's egg cackle

In this photo of Miss Blue whom I affectionately call 'Rosie', you can see her blue feathers in the sunlight. Also her breast is copper/gold. She is a patchwork bird. I'll probably call her 'Patches' also. The name 'Rosie' just popped out of my mouth when looking at her. She is feisty and full of street smarts....like I imagine Rosie Perez!

This morning I ran to the kitchen window when I heard loud chicken noises. I live in dread of Lacey being a rooster. To my surprise the noise was from Uma2 doing an 'I laid an egg' cackle. The other three stood in stone silence, staring at her. I looked for an egg but there was none.

The photo on the right shows Uma2 and Goldilocks' tail and back.

Meet Goldilocks

Miss Goldilocks is a unique chicken. We are not too sure what kind she is. She is quite stunning. Her head is covered in sleek copper feathers, which filter into the black feathers on her back. Her legs are yellow. She is not as large as Uma2, nor Lacey but she's a smart gal. She holds her own when green weeds are doled out. She runs and dodges quickly when Lacey is after someone to blame for whatever! Don't feel sorry for Goldilocks. She has the brains and agility of a street-smart imp!

And the feathers fly !!!

It looks like a cute dance at first. Then is turns wild. Both hens drew blood. Uma2 bled from her ear. Lacey bled from her comb. Uma2's clever dodge was to hide her head beneath Lacey. Hmmm? Now where did she go?

I broke it up and doctored their wounds. Uma2 and the other two new girls slept in the egglu with the run gate closed. Lacey slept on top of the egglu. peering down at the open door.

All day I kept them separate. Lacey was working herself into a state wanting to get at Uma2. When it was almost dark, I opened the run gate. The 2 new girls ran in to be with Uma2. Lacey did not realize the gate was open so she continued her patrol atop the run and again slept above the egglu doorway.

This morning I was afraid I would find 2 beat up hens. But apparently Uma2 is the winner. She is literally 'ruling the roost'. Lacey hops out of her way, but then goes on to chase the other new ones, who are smaller but not afraid. More on them later.

Back to the Farm

Visiting the farm is a treat although we were parting with Henry and Uma (Umar?). Lower: Pictured is my favorite little farm friend, Nibbles, the pygmy goat. He is standing on a table. Some of the other darling goats and the calf (far right - can you see the dark brown ear?) are always ready for a treat, or a lick, or a kiss.

Middle: Turkeys fall in love too. This beautiful brown and white guy with a light blue face, yes, light blue, was strutting his stuff in hopes the lady turkey would be interested. Apparently she was not because she ran around all over the place to keep ahead of him. There are quite a few very large eggs in the turkey nest currently being sat on by a black and silver Wyandotte chicken.

Upper: Sonya is in the chick/duckling house with her favorite chick who loves to sit on her lap. Can't blame that chick....Sonya is a beatiful girlfriend!

We did chose replacements for Henry and Umar, plus one more. Three Chicken Farm always seems to have four chickens. Oh, well. It could have been goats.

Uma goes with Henry

Uma identified herself as a rooster on the very morning that Henry was packed up to go back to the farm. It was heart-breaking for us people. Lacey was distraught. She was panicky at first, then decided she had to be brave. She flew to the top of the run, stood tall and tried to look like a rooster. Little did she know that is what could be her downfall. We have new girls now from the farm but that is a story for another day. Camille wanted to bring a goat. That too, is another story.

Henry finds a home

HENRY FINDS A HOME After much fretting and searching, a home has been found for Henry, the rooster. He will go back to his previous home on the farm in Calhan. He will reunite with a few remaining pullets and cockerels whom he ran with as a chick on that farm. He is a bit uncertain about the move but Uma and Lacey are relieved. In many ways we will all miss Henry. Uma and Lacey say he is fun sometimes when a brave adventurer is needed, when someone needs to taste the new food to see if it is really food. The people say they will miss Henry’s defiant cocked-head stare and his morning practice of teenage crowing, complete with wing flapping emphasis and looks of pride mixed with uncertainty. Being a teen is difficult no matter who or what you are.