Friday, July 4, 2008

Frustrated Farmer

Ever since i was a little girl, i wanted to be a farmer, and live in the country. I remember making plans with my Grandmother when quite young, talking about what kind of animals "we" would have on our farm (she and i planned to live together ;) One of the first things on our lists, were chickens. We both loved those birds and wanted to just eat the eggs and let the chickens live forever....Well, i never did get to realize that dream. But i love reading my favorite farm blogs, where chickens and farm life are the main topic. (Visit Paula at The Fraker Farm, and Amy at Twelve Acres. Thank you ladies, you sure do my heart good just by sharing your stories!) Well, i am a true believer in the saying "Bloom where you are planted". I live in a little city that is not "zoned" for chickens, so i just had to make do! Here is how i get my chicken fix...

Some of Gram's old knick knacks...some with plants inside them.....

Some with plants around them...

There are even chickens IN the plants!

Here are my "scarecrow chickens" keeping the bugs away from my basil! ;)

And yes, i am one of those pesky neighbors who feed the birds, with special attention to the doves and pigeons. I have the fattest pigeons! (and i only get a few lighthearted complaints about pigeon "decorations" on the neighbor's cars... ;) These birds come when i whistle. That generally means vittles are served!

And of course, we have the Ultimate City Chicken, Safou. Here he is actually eating farm raised, free range chicken eggs, right off my fork. He does look a little like some of Paula and Amy's chickens, don't you think?

9 comments:

Phill said...

Ditto the feeling on being a frustrated farmer - I now have a little space, but I can't have any chickens because I'm not there full time. Safou is gorgeous, btw. And of course, chicken don't talk. =)

Kate said...

I'm sure you could pull off having chickens in your yard. Just don't bring in any roosters.

teddybearswednesday said...

Mare, I know exactly what you mean, especially about chickens. I love chickens too, and dream one day of having them. I love all your make do chickens in the pots.

Mare said...

Well, i don't think i could sneak in some chickens here with all the contractors in and out. The city code inspectors are by quite frequently, checking on our progress. Plus we have the issues with the hawks who also like to "hunt" here....I'm sure they would love to see fresh, plump chicken added to the menu! ;)

Mare said...

Hi CM and Jess. Looks like i am not alone in the frustration department! Jess, i love those little metal chicken sculptures too. My husband has been buying them for me. If i leave them outdoors they will rust, or i can bring them inside and keep them in the plants. Not sure what i will do....
CM, i think the fact that chickens don't talk is a good thing!hahaha Sometimes i wish Safou would loose the gift of gab! He talks,(but never when you want him to) makes the sound like the fire alarm,LOUDLY and PIERCINGLY, over and over again,slams the top of his cage down over and over again, and pings his bars....Not to mention the tantrums he pitches regularly. It is like living with a petulant, naughty 4 year old, forever!!! And boy do we love him! He is like a little feathered person, i think because he does talk.

Murray said...

My uncle had a chicken farm and I can tell you it loses it's allure in real life. It was stinky and loud... chickens make A LOT of noise, granted his was a large farm, but still. My sister in law had guinea fowl, and they were cute, but mean! Eventually they all ended up trying to cross the street and, well, you know, didn't quite make it to the other side. Maybe two or three in a small coup, you know for your eggs I suppose.

I do feel for you if it's something you'd really like. I think your collection is even nicer though ;).

Paula said...

Aww sweetie you can come visit me anytime!
(I'll even let you clean out the coop! Ugh)

Mare said...

Thank you Murray! My Mom used to have a flock of working chickens under her front porch when she was a girl and she tells me the same thing-if i grew up with chickens, i'd either love them or hate them. She is more than happy to go to the local supermarket to get her chicken! Chickens being stinky and noisy doesn't put me off-it just keeps me from keeping them in my basement! hahaha I used to raise all kinds of birds down there-and parakeets were the absolute noisiest!I also used to raise a small herd of guinea pigs down there, and then most recently the flock of doves.(See? I really am a frustrated farmer!) The doves are almost gone now and i am looking forward to using that space for things that don't poop, like bonsai and maybe some bigger painting projects or messier crafting.

Mare said...

I'll make a deal with you Paula-i'll help you clean out the coop, if you help me tackle the dove room in the basement.They are almost all gone and it needs a HUGE cleaning out down there...(bring a dust mask! ;)