Puuuk….puk….puk….puk.
As a young girl I dreamt
about marrying a farmer. Now I am a "mature" woman I have held onto part of the
dream - to own a few of my own backyard chickens. As I type this blog I sit
back and rub my eyes because the time has now arrived and their arrival is
imminent ……...hoo – clucking –ray!!!!
Let me take you back a
year when I met the incredible Mr Chris Nichols. Twinkle twinkle hearts a thumping…..is he a
farmer I hear you ask? No, he isn’t a farmer but has a BSc Agriculture
(Agriculture Economics). He decided instead to follow in his fathers footsteps and
work in finance. So a tentative link
to farming…. At least he can manage budgets and money.
Chris and I have chatted
long into the nights and through lazy afternoons about owning a bit a land and
being self-sufficient. Indulging in nature – barefoot, sweaty brows and satisfying contentment
at the end of the day. And, of course the
chickens clucking round the back door and a small herd of little Nigerian Dwarf
goats to kid around with.
How could we begin the
dream, living in an urban environment? Hey! How about getting a couple of chickens! The breed of choice was obvious – Orpingtons! Gorgeous, blowsy girls, known for their
docile nature and they make great pets. We found a reputable and very helpful
breeder, Keith Gibbons. We drove out to his place and were very impressed with
his set up. He runs a livery as well as breeding Orpingtons. Everything is very
neat and clean. He has kept chickens since a boy, is very knowledgeable
when it comes to all things chicken. Even though he was busy Keith answered all our naive questions with much patience. Cluck cluck.
Here a link to his website /http://www.keiths-orps.co.uk/
We were going to get four
girls but ended up reserving five. There is quite a large variety of colours
and could not decide on just one so ended up choosing Buff, Partridge, Blue,
Lavender Cuckoo and Silver. We will pick them up on Saturday. I am sooooo excited and am counting down the
sleepszzzzzzzzz
The coop (we were overwhelmed
by the different styles available and had to take advice from Keith – watch
this space for tips and ideas) arrives on Friday. We still need to make the
name plate ‘Huku Hut’ which translated means chicken (Shona) cage
(Afrikaans). We spent the weekend clearing the garden in readiness for the new
chicks on the block.
I wonder how Maui the cat will take to the newcomers……hmmm???
Looks great!!!
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