This post has me crying. I am going through some really hard times with my first flock. Just this morning I felt a tiny bit like throwingin the towel. I get criticized a lot for caring so much about them and in turn I judge myself for the feelings I have...
Then I went outside and watched them for a minute while it all melted away...
when I first saw this poem it was titled: "Just a Goat"
So I changed it "just a bit"
I figured we would all understand.
egglicious I am glad you have not thrown in the towel....you are not alone in your chicken passion so don't let anyone tell you different or make you feel strange!
Beautiful birds theoldchick and thank you all for saying nice things about mine.
That whole post made me all fuzzy and happy and also teary eyed.
I don't take offense to "just a chicken". In order for a person to utter those words they either, haven't known a chicken, or haven't taken the time to appreciate a chicken, and those two things are nothing but the total loss of the speaker.
I hate the phrase, "just a chicken". My MIL uses it on me all the time (she should talk, she has SIX "just chihuahua's") and she HAS had chickens. Everyone has something they love and have a passion for. For some people, its "just a car" or "just a dog" or "just a plant", but if you put time, effort, and care into something, its not "just" anything to you when there's an emotional investment.
I love my "just chickens"... sometimes, I think I even like them better than my "just dogs".
I dont mean to hijack, but I think everyone who has responded will understand:
Two of my "just cockerels" may get rehomed tomorrow. They're getting a bit too rooster-like for my comfort, and my 5 little pullets are taking a beating because of it. Still, even though they NEED to be gone for the sake of the others, and I've threatened them with the words "crock pot" and "freezer" several times today- its hard not to worry about what is going to happen to them once they're gone. I make empty threats, but I do love them very much.
In any case, its a good sign that the woman asked what color they are and whether or not they're friendly- right?