Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Dumpling



"You need to get more chickens," my sister told me. "I miss the Chicken Chronicles!"

Somehow we still haven't managed to get any more chicks this spring, though we had intended to. We have only two hens, an Easter Egger and a Marans.

The Marans (named "Dumpling", shown here), bucking common chicken wisdom, is laying more often now that she's older. She lays an egg almost every day. The Easter Egger (Americauna) is a slacker. Her eggs are larger, but we're lucky if she graces us with two a week. And they've lost their pretty green and blue hues, fading to practically white. Maybe she's just tired.

The number of eggs from two chickens is really more than enough for just the two if us. But a whole flock is fun to watch, plus they keep the yard free of ticks (if you can keep them out of the woods long enough). Stay tuned... we may yet get a few more this spring.

12 comments:

NCmountainwoman said...

The Easter Egger must somehow know she is a pet and need not work for a living. Or, perhaps she doesn't know what slacker hens are called on the farm - Sunday Dinner.

Unknown said...

Are Dumpling's eggs still that lovely deep brown? We're down to one rooster and one chicken (Monique), who has decided she's tired of laying. We need more chickens, I miss our nice fresh eggs.

lime said...

they keep the yard free of ticks you say? dang i should invest in some. we are in prime lyme disease territory.

Kathi D said...

I want you to have more chickens, too!

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Your plot is interesting and beautiful as ever! Yes, definitely have a few more HAPPY chickens. I have six black ones all called Angelina (fan of Nana M. Angelique) The rock is unique, it has a face and when you look closely it sleeps! Recycling is a true conversation piece.

Anonymous said...

Yep, I'll certain stay tuned!

Rurality said...

NCMW, no, they're all pets here now. We did eat a rooster once though.

Grace, they are still dark, but not as dark as they were to start with. (I think that's common.) And they are on the smallish side. But she sure has gotten to be "regular" lol.

Lime, oh yeah, and lots of other creepy crawlies too. The ducks eat them too I think but I'd much rather have the chickens.

Kathi, keep your fingers crossed! :)

Titania, well I guess that solves the problem of trying to tell them apart! :) (Just to be clear, I wasn't sure if you realized, but those other pictures below were at Acoustic Cafe, not our place.)

Pablo, you're a sweetie!

KFarmer said...

They are so dang cute~ How can you resist getting more? I wish I could free range mine, but no, too many hawks and cats. I'd be out of business in a week and I luvs my fresh eggs :)

Annie in Austin said...

Chicken photos are irresistible, Rurality. They're not allowed in my subdivision but I admire them on blogs. One a day seems like a lot of eggs!

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Anonymous said...

I like your chicken blog posts too. Chickens are funny. I wish I could have chickens in my backyard.

wineandroasts said...

As humans age our hair goes white...maybe Easter Eggers eggs go white?

lisa said...

Yes! More chickens! :)