EPISODE 181 WE WON PRIZES AT THE ROYAL WINTER FAIR FOR OUR CHICKENS
(I was too dismissive in the earlier story about them. Joy trumped disgust.)
alan skeoch
Dec. 2020
Thanks for the responses to the chicken story. I worried that the story was a little too
dismissive of our chicken raising days. Also thought some of you would find it silly.
Well the reverse has happened. Lots of comments. Russ Vanstone even sent a note
in praise of keeping a pet pig…big sow with piglets. I think he is going to try to raise
one at his home in Toronto.
When I wrote the chicken story I think some of the joy we experienced raising chickens
was neglected. To get up in the early morning knowing that Big Red and his harem
were waiting for us to lift the trap door was a joy. Once lifted Big Red came out first
and moved to the side. He ‘serviced’ each hen at it popped out the door. He paid
attention to the whole harem. None were left out. And he could crow with joy day
after day. He made us all feel good about life.
Each year we sent some of our hens to the Poultry exhibit at the Royal Winter Fair
and we won prize ribbons which Marjorie has framed.
Tinware chickens are nice to look at but they do not lay eggs.
MARJORIE believed the children that could love animals would emerge as fine adults. All kinds of animals…including puppies
Our back yard in the chicken keeping days had no room for grass…kids and chickens…dogs and cats.
Remember I said backyard chickens attract kids. Here is proof of the pudding.
The day the fire truck was completed it was filled with kids. That was why it was built.
Another shot of Big Red. He is letting me know that he is boss.
Our ducks, ping and pong are amused to find Andrew in he cage while they peer in.
Cats,dogs, chickens, ducks, turtles, frogs, …wonderful world.
Andrew and the duck called Ping are very alert. Do they hear a coyote?
Kevin and our cat Tarnga are colour co ordinated. Love the big smile.
Not every chicken was a pet.
alan skeoch
Dec 2020
