Wally's Journal - A Rescue Hen

[HomesteaderWife]

A quick update- Wally’s first egg was on Valentine’s Day! What a surprise. She laid another on the 17th, and here is a photo of her first egg (in hand) and the second egg as she looks at it! Look at the color difference in her two eggs. We are so proud of her.

 

[BarredRockMom]

Awww, good job Wally!! I see Tater in the background & he's proud of her, too, I'll bet!!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@BarredRockMom - I don't think Tater knows what to think of it! I went to put them to bed and shined the "night light" for her and instead of going to her perch, she went in the corner and I heard a light peck. I shined over and there was egg #1- she was trying to show it to me. Gave her lots of pets and praise then she went to the perch, but she just had to show it off first. Tater looked confused as could be about it all.

 

[WhoDatChick]

***Disclaimer: No chickens or ducks were harmed in this story.
Your saying that you want to add ducks to your flock made me remember something funny. Waaaaay back when we first got chickens, the plan was to be more self sufficient, have fresh eggs & eventually, when they stopped laying eggs as frequently, we were going to have fresh chicken.

So we planned, built our Barred Rock Hotel & got our first flock. Knowing ZERO about chickens, I thought "this is a good plan." They were friendly, inquisitive and didn't peck me when I wanted to collect eggs. Hard to believe that I was a bit nervous to get close, as I didn't know what they'd do or how they'd act.

As I got familiar with them, got to know their little personalities & named 'em, I found that less than a week into the planned chicken raising adventure that things were going to change & that every single one would live out their days in peace, with no danger of winding up as dinner.

After many knots in the stomach & no small amount of trepidation over the next week, I told my husband that "Yeah, that plan? Not gonna happen. New plan: we are running an old age home for chickens."

To my surprise & relief, he just laughed and said that he was wondering how long it was going to take me.

Several years later, we were driving somewhere & the subject of food came up. I mentioned that I'd had duck several times & really liked it. To my amazement he said "Well, maybe we could get some ducks and once they stop laying..."

"Seriously? Did you learn NOTHING from the chicken plan? Do you WANT to have an old age home for ducks, too??" Needless to say, we didn't add ducks, though they're amazing creatures.

Geeze Louise, I can't kill 'em once I know 'em! Nothing against those who do & I understand the reasoning but when I eat a bird, it's no one I know//knew.

In another twist of irony, I have a mixed flock & there's not a beautiful Barred Rock living in the Barred Rock Hotel now. We'll get there again, I'm sure.

Love the stories, pics & video of Wally & Tater.
Glad that they continue to do well & have settled into a happy companionship.

I love this story! I cannot eat mine either but I keep adding new ones! So I probably will eventually have to think of a new plan.. as in a retirement coop

 

[WhoDatChick]

Hi everyone. Glad everyone is doing fine.

I used to be called the crazy cat lady because I had 6 when I was in CA. Then we moved and a 11 week old kitten just happened to show up under our deck late at night from the side road. Lots of strays here. A friend of mine was also called the same thing with 5 cats. The most I've had at one time is 7. We rescued feral mama cats that was ready to burst open with little babies. Three one summer. It was fun, exciting to do this and we had help finding them all homes. That was in 2012 before we moved.

I don't think I can have a chicken dinner from our girls or boys. We do collect the eggs and our neighbors also ask if they could get some eggs. Sometimes we give them away and other times they pay for them. Our Doc has even paid for some eggs. We are a close rural family around our neighbors. It can fun living out here except the winter. Looking up on a dark rural area night you can see the milky way. That was cool to see in our front yard at night.

I have five cats! But I have these on my car I may need a cat one too!

We also have a Noel aka. Pricilla Noel/Prissy.. my daughter got her for Christmas one year...

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Haven't updated much here lately, but on and off Wally has given us just under a dozen eggs. Just made some protein muffins with them the other day! Started making "Shorts" of them for YouTube every so often, and hope they do alright. Miss sassy is enjoying life and Tater is always looking out for her. Here are two videos of her enjoying some worm digging with Tater, and another of playing "boop the beak"

 

[cfonts]

I just stumbled upon your thread about Wally & I was captivated by her story. I'm so happy that you were able tor rescue her! She looks like a brand new chicken from the one that you rescued - she looks so happy, healthy & content. I loved reading about Wally's progress and her friendship with Tater! I also really enjoyed the videos you posted! I look forward to following along on Wally's adventures!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@cfonts - Thank you so much for joining in and following Wally! I initially just wanted it to be a journal of progress, but I’m so glad people enjoy her story. It’s hard to believe she’s been here almost half a year- it feels like no time, but feels like she’s been here all along. I still need to make a video about her beginnings! Thanks again for reading!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

"Feed the Wally" and "Feed the Tater" clips of these two precious friends

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Updates and photos of Wally coming soon! She just celebrated 7 months here with us, and her and Tater are doing great. Still spoiled as ever.