buffie Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 I thought I'd post this as lesley and I have mentioned that the chickens have brought far more to our lives than just eggs. Many months ago i said I wouldn't care if I had no eggs I just 'love them. Still applies and i wondered what chickens have done for you? I worried I may go off the boil with the girls after daisie arrived(I love her to bits) but no chance. Since having them... I am happier in myself and enjoy getting up early (life has a focus) I feel very needed (having no children I feel I have a real family, if slightly unconventional) Animal welfare issues have more meaning, got me involved in the BHWT Self motivation has improved The simple things in life matter Home cooking is of greater importance, as is nutrition in general. Good for my clients too Made new friends on the forum, I think! So perhaps you'd like to tell me what you think. Go on just tell me, no one else needs know! BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 I agree with just about all of those Buffie, except maybe the getting up early one. These cold dank mornings I do find getting out of my lovely warm bed a bit of a trial. Definitely there on the nutrition & animal welfare interests, for me it also translates into putting more effort into gardening, both from the getting into the garden and spending time with my girls as well as actively getting my back into some fruit & veg cultivation. The copious amounts of chicken poo have also been of great benefit to the garden, in fertilizer terms I also put a lot more effort and interest into food preparation- I never used to bake- these days I do most weekends, just to clear the egg glut I think they're good for the children too, encouraging them to care for pets and to see where their food comes from. The forum is a pretty good bonus with all the like-minded friends out there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleata Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 you are very right buffie, my girls have all borught me the same joy yours have. even the early mornings. i now get up a 7 instead of 7.30 and i get more time to wake up and get the girls oats sorted to full their tummies in this cold weather. also the enviroment has now become a much more a immediate concern, we used to recycle a bit before, but now i have work doing it and our composter and chooks get s"Ooops, word censored!" so nothing is wasted. i am really distressed about the battery hen situation but dont have the room for more or i would have them all. chickens are so wonderfull i even vasaline their wickle combs and wattles every night so they are protected against frostbite. so daft but a good idea. they dont seem impressed but its for their own good i have no firends outside of family of work so the forum gives me time and a place to speak to other people just as in love of chickens as me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 I agree with all the above (unless it was anything to do with dogs, or cats ) -obviously having chickens hasn't made me more tolerant My grandchildren love helping with all our chickens and have always helped out with veggie gardening. I think it is very important for them to be as close as possible to their food source and to understand about food. During Spring and Summer I often pick up the children from school and when we get back they have a trug each and their dinner is whatever they find to pick or dig up in the garden. This has taken on a new dimension since aquiring chickens - both for eggs and meat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted November 17, 2005 Author Share Posted November 17, 2005 i am really distressed about the battery hen situation but dont have the room for more or i would have them all. chickens are so wonderfull Don't worry, the rescue and adoption is to raise awareness of their plight, of course we all want them free and treated well. Buying good hen friendly products and telling others is 'doing your bit' for them and they thank you. You can get some christmas cards from www.thehenshouse.co.uk if you want to donate something and spread the word or adopt a hen(£15.00 looks after a hen for a year and you get certificates etc) or even just donate. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 17, 2005 Share Posted November 17, 2005 I like this topic Buffie They have brought my garden to life Have kick-started my circulation in the morning with a quick sprint down the garden get Rosie out of bed in the morning as she likes to help with feeding them The girls have made us even more conscious of the environment and where our food comes from. They make me smile or laugh every day. They helped me teach the children at Rosie's school about where food comes from and how to have respect for animals Thanks to the girls (and the rest of our menagerie), Rosie will grow up knowing how to respect animals, where her food comes from, about good nutrition and how to care for others. Plus the numerous occasions we have had for impromptu lessons about biology and the life cycle. They have brought me onto this forum and all the new (and lovely) friends that I have made on it. BTW, I would love to have more space so that I could rescue battery hens - strong maternal instincts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
