The Chicken Posts are Only Going to Get Worse

Remember how happy I was that it seemed like Lizzie and the others were getting along so well? It was short lived. I went to let them all out the next morning from their enclosed roost. The two white chickens, Maisy and Daisy, had thumped on Lizzie all night long. She was pretty beat up--again. The raccoon did worse damage, but we were back to square one. We have an injured chicken in our house, and no hope that she can go outside with the others.

Okay, new plan! I have had it with the two leghorns. They have always been a bit aggressive and mean. It's a characteristic of their breed. If you want a chicken for a pet, they aren't the best choice. I got them as a freebie. They lay great eggs, which is why they are what we get in the grocery stores. As a family we agreed it was time for Maisy and Daisy to find a home where they aren't hurting others. I posted them on craigslist, specific that they needed to be by themselves and not around other chickens, and they have a new home. I am glad for them, I am glad for Lizzie.

Lizzie is now outside, and acting very chicken like. She is still just a bit nervous. She keeps looking around seeing if Maisy and Daisy are going to pop out somewhere and pounce on her.

A hen by itself is not a good situation. They are very social creatures, and will eventually just kind of go numb without a friend.

Here is the plan:

1) Encourage Lizzie to go "broody". That means make her go into mama-chicken protective mode to get her to lay on a clutch of eggs, incubate them and raise them.

2) Have her incubate a bunch of eggs.

3) Give away any roosters that emerge from that clutch.

4) Keep a few hens and give a few away.

5) Have peace in our coop because Lizzie and her "family" won't kill each other because they suddenly don't remember who each other is.

5) Get the kids involved in this little adventure and maybe learn some cool things.

6) Buy eggs for the next four months. Bummer!

The biggest question from my chicken lovin' friends out there, what breed will you choose? I have had in the past Plymouth Barred Rocks (black and white birds, lay big brown eggs) and Rhode Island Reds (brown/red birds that lay big brown eggs). Both are very friendly, and the kids would definitely not have to run from them. Both lay huge brown eggs, which I love. I have found a place where I can get Rhode Island Reds, and we'll see what we can do to get the eggs underneath Lizzie's little belly. I also found a place that has Black Australorps, which is what Lizzie is. I just don't like their eggs as much. They are very small. I like big eggs.

I would consider Buff Orpingtons, because they are truly a beautiful golden color. They are known for their pet friendliness, and their large brown eggs. I just can't find a place that breeds them. Maybe next time.

Here is what is a bit freaky. This is seriously a hair brained idea isn't it? My husband is going for it! When I mentioned posting Maisy and Daisy to craigslist, brooding Lizzie, etc. He said, "When can we post it? Can we get fertilized eggs after the holidays? This would be great for the kids to get involved in."

Who are you and what have you done with my husband?