I went outside into the cold midmorning air with Grace and Seth yesterday, to take care of our flock of chickens. We first brought them home about six months ago, in late summer, and we are continuing to enjoy them very much.
Grace put on her boots and coat, I strapped Seth into the Ergo on my chest and zipped us both up together in Rich’s warm winter coat and away we went.
As we approached the coop, we could hear the girls talking to each other. They could sense us coming.
For a treat, we took half a container of cottage cheese(it wasn’t spoiled but had been sitting in the fridge long enough for us humans not to want it anymore). The chickens LOVED it. We scooped some into each food container and then Grace scraped the rest out and offered it to them from the rubber spatula. She was surrounded by chickens, pretty as a picture in her red boots and current favorite dress, that she picked out herself.
We filled up their water jugs, as they curiously pecked at our boots, gave them their feed, and watched them enjoy their breakfast.
Then, as Grace took care of her rabbit, who lives in another part of the coop, Seth and I opened up the chicken door and went outside to watch them come out.
Only a couple of black chickens spend prolonged time out in the cold. They wander around the house, come to the door to ask for treats, and seem to enjoy the day outside, scratching and hunting for things to nibble on. The rest of them step out of their coop door only to eat snow and then go back in, where it’s warm. It was funny to watch them gobble up the white stuff and then help each other clean their beaks off.
Juliet attracts the eye; she is our fanciest looking girl. She has naturally blond hair, but we don’t envy her, we just admire.
On our little walk back to the house, I showed Seth our prize; four golden brown eggs. He wanted to eat one, right away. I put them in my pocket and smiled. We looked around at the frozen pond, the snow covered ground, and breathed deep. We could hear the wind chimes playing their music for us in the wind. Grace caught up with us and we laughed and talked our way back to the warm house.
Good to be Home 
Your post just relaxed me so much ~ I love brown eggs ~ and your chickens too ~
Julie, is one lovely chicken. She looks like she’s wearing a fur wrap to keep herself warm. I love brown eggs too. My mothers neighbor gives us a couple dozen a week. What a blessing they are.Have a wonderful day~
What a lovely, simple, winter’s morning. So peaceful!
They are so pretty! Enjoy the eggs.
Just wonderful! Heartwarming.
I loved reading about your chickens (and seeing the pictures). Who knew chickens had such fluffy bottoms? LOL! I didn’t know they like to eat snow, either.One of these days I’ll fulfill my dream to have chickens! Until then, I’ll vicariously enjoy yours. 🙂
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Tasha Tudor would be so proud!!!The colors just pop against that white snow, they are so pretty…You are living the dream Shanda!!!
I read your title and smiled…I thought for sure there would be picture of ooey, gooey eggs oozing from someones jeans pocket…LOL. Love the colorful chickens. Their beauty just pops against the snow. Brown eggs are so yummy and their yolks are such a golden color. I love using them when I can.
your post made me smile:) such lovely “girls” those chickens are:)
Love it. 🙂 I hope to build our coop this spring.
I’ve only read your blog for the past week or so but I just wanted to say that it is a breath of fresh air. It makes me appreciate life so much more. Thank you 🙂
I love that little tiny hand grasping an egg!
The first picture is so warm and simple. Then to see the contrast of the hens out in the cold snow! (Is that area fenced?) What a lovely moment in your day
Yes, that Juliet is a real looker!
how wonderful~ & snow.
So nice to hear and see all “your girls”. It must be so satisfying to gather the eggs. How is it cleaning up the coop after the chickens? Are you keeping all their poop for gardening? Hugs! I felt like I walked along with you!
Smart chickens not to stay out in the cold too long lol.
What fun. I’m trying hard not to be jealous.
Sounds like a wonderful morning! Thanks for letting us share it with you.
you just made me heartsick my childhood….and I’m only 18!! lol God bless you
Smiling here! Those are some cute chickies!I was going to tell you Land’s End was having a great sale, but it looks like Grace has already taken advantage! I *almost* bought the same dress in two different colors for Luci and Rissy!
Wonderful, I love this 🙂
your posts often remind me of a great children’s book~ descriptive to the point of feeling like you’re there. full of color and life! 🙂 love it.and you.
Oh my! This post almost makes me want chickens…yours seem sweet.I am terrified of them because of a childhood incident…Wishing you a blessed weekend!
Forgive my random footprints but my son wanted to see some chicken photographs and I know you had some very nice ones. He loves chickens but our landlord wont even allow a cat or dog. I take my animal lover to a zoo, farm, or the pet store whenever we can.