It dawned on me earlier in the week that the Feed & Seed where I ordered our chicks lost our ticket order when I called over two weeks ago.  It was pretty much confirmed this morning when I contacted them and they said they had 3 Buff Orpingtons in for sale.  That's when I called Mom and we booked it over to the F&S to get the last of our babies.

Additionally, something came up earlier in the week that weighed heavy on my heart.  After Thad went over to the next door neighbors to inform them of Houdina's escapades, he was told that the chickens are raised for food.  Once each of the chickens reaches a specific weight, they are slaughtered and eaten.  I know this is their way of life and that people have done the same for centuries, but I just could not handle it happening to Houdina.  She is the largest of all of them, and I was terrified that she was next due to her larger size when compared with the others they own.

After several days of going back and forth and trying to figure out what I should do in regards to Houdina's fate, I awoke this morning determined to save her.

When Mom and I went with the kids to pick up the last chicks, they only had the 3 orps along with some more Easter Eggers.   When I did the math in my mind, I knew that the 3 Oprs added to our 6 at home came to 9.  That left room for one more chick.  I don't want to exceed 10 for space purposes.  So, my prayer was the have the 9 chicks and save Houdina, making 10 altogether.

After bringing the new chicks home and running a quick errand, I dragged my mom over to the neighbor's house to approach him about my plans for Houdina, which are in stark contrast with his.  I was very friendly, and told him upfront that I loved his chicken with all my heart and that I was terrified that her naughtiness had made her a marked hen.  He told me he had already mentioned to his wife that I had an affection for their black chicken, and yes, her escapades had left him having to complete his fence to keep her in, as well as made her top on the list for the next meal.  Houdina's brother, a rooster, had been roasted several months ago after his consistent crowing.

He then told me that he had mentioned to his wife that he had already thought about offering Houdina to me, so I asked him straight-forward if I could have her, and he agreed.  There are no words to express my relief.  For the time being, he will keep Houdina for me until the time our coop is completed.  I need to do something to thank them for their kindness and mercy on Houdina, but I am not sure what.  Does anyone have any ideas OTHER than me offering them one of our chicks OR buying a new chick to replace Houdina.  I will not be doing either.

Should I bake some cookies or bring them some kind of treat?  They have at least 5 kids too so thought a sweet treat might be nice...


Anyway- here is the OFFICIAL CHICKEN BITCH LINE-UP:






Little squares from left to right:

SAVANNAH BLEU:  Barred Plymouth Rock and my little lady
MATHILDA: Barred Plymouth Rock and Amanda's little lady
STELLA: White Silkie and my little we-don't-know-yet
LUANNA MAY: White Silkie and Amanda's we-don't-know-yet
VIOLET: Easter Egger and Mom's little lady
JOLENE: Easter Egger and Thad's little lady
ADELAIDE: Buff Orpington and my little lady
PRECIOUS: Buff Orpington and my little lady
ALICE (IN WONDERLAND): Buff Orpington and Cate's little lady
HOUDINA: Australorp and my big little lady



We got ourselves a flock!