Some days I watch the chickens and I think . . we could all learn some good lessons, not only from chickens, but from much of nature.
The rooster spends his entire day watching . . looking for anything that might be a danger. He has one sound that he makes when a hawk is nearby. He has another sound he makes when something else is happening. The hens know all of his warning signs and they know whether to head to some high weeds, under the shrubs, or under the chicken coop. We haven’t lost a chicken to a hawk or buzzard, and there are plenty around here, simply because the rooster does such a good job of watching and warning.
If I take treats out to the chickens, the rooster makes a different sound and the hens come running. He stands back and lets them get all they want and then if there’s anything left, he’ll get some of whatever I’ve tossed out there.
I love watching the rooster . . the way he’s always looking and listening for anything. When he starts squawking enough that I feel I need to go out and investigate, I can usually look in the direction he’s looking and see whatever it is that he’s seeing . . sometimes a snake, or a hawk . . sometimes I don’t see it but I know he’s seen something.
I watch the mama hen who’s down to only one baby chick. She’s taught her to scratch, to run when the rooster makes his warning sounds. It’s so cute to see the mama hen out with her baby. They’re inseparable.
Mama and Baby
She is the most gentle of all my hens. She’s the one who does not try to take my hand off when she’s sitting on eggs, but yet, with that baby, she’ll come after me in a second if I get too close.
I was trying to get a closer picture and made the “danger” sound and they ran to their safe spot.
Safe Spot
It’s hard to see but the mama is heading up into the brush and the baby is right behind her.
Safe Spot
This is where all of them run when they need to hide from a hawk or buzzard. That’s mostly agarita and it’s thick and full of prickly thorny leaves.
Of course, while mama and baby are running for cover because I’m out there, the other hens are running toward me because they think I might have a treat.
Buckeye Hens
Chickens really are entertaining . . but maybe that says a lot for my lifestyle! 🙂
Helen says
I remember you writing that you bought some extra chicks that were beautiful. What do they look like now that they are grown?
Diana G says
Its the simple things in life that are what makes a day good !!
Lisa G Boyer says
Awww….adorable post. I love chickens.
lacefaerie says
Here is a contentment and peaceful feeling I get listening to hens in the morning. I liken it to the soothing sound of listening to my parents in the other room as I fell asleep at night. Couldn’t quite make out what they were saying but the cadence of their conversation was soothing.