Cleaning, Guarding, and Nursing Role for Hens: Arthur Parkinson's Responsibilities
Chat Gushing Over Chickens
Dyin' talking bout chickens? I sure am! They're the flockin' highlight of my day, ya know? Watching 'em scuttle around with their daily rituals is positively delightful.
These chicks ain't just some plain old poultry. They're living, breathing breeding books - each one showcasing the distinctive qualities of their species. I take great pride in observin' 'em, especially when the spring babies start to feather out and announce their presence with a raspberry blush face.
My poultry posse knows me well. When I stride in, whistling a friendly tune, they're all at the gate, gigglin' and squawkin' like they're long lost companions. A healthy hen is always on the move, be it preening, layin', or soakin' up the sun. And when they're not, watch out – traditional breeds are always up to somethin', curios and energetic as they can be. Lend a scenic touch to any period drama film, them Charlie boys do!
Now, care for chickens ain't just a walk in the park. I wear many hats to keep 'em content. First and foremost, I'm a housekeeper, averse to any dirty coop. I treat those hen houses like thoroughbred horse stables, daily cleanin' doin' the trick. And I watch my back, keepin' an eye out for varmints lurkin' about, ready to snatch a precious egg.
If you let a hen sit on eggs, you'll turn into a sort of matron, movin' the mama-to-be to a snug spot and supervisin' the progress. Rewards are sweet, with daily eggs, golden yolks for tasty dishes.
Eggs, with their unique shell designs, can give Farrow & Ball a run for their money. Freshness? There's nuthin' on Earth that can beat 'em. The thrill of snatchin' breakfast from a cosy nest box? It's a simple pleasure, one that captivates us all.
With supermarkets stockin' the same sterile, artificial eggs, home-raisin' hens bring us closer to the cycles and rhythms of the natural world. And if we want to preserve more traditional breeds like Scots Dumpy, Derbyshire Redcap, and Dorking, we gotta start rearin' 'em ourselves. Best part? Chickens can be kept in both urban and countryside settings, makin' them the perfect addition to any lifestyle.
I've witnessed both happy hens and the sad, moulinterin' fowl hoggin' stinky, muddy hellholes. If you wanna keep happy hens, ask around, learn all you can. I'm here to help, ready to share my learnin's and stories along the way.
Arthur ParkinsonArthur Parkinson is a gardener, writer, and broadcaster. His roots reach to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, where he dried his hands before workin' with Sarah Raven and Emma Bridgewater's factory garden. He penned four books, includin' "Flower Yard: Growin' Flamboyant Flowers in Containers." Keep an eye out for his advice on raisin' happy, healthy, and carefree chickens!
Arthur Parkinson's passion extends beyond gardening and writing, as he takes up the hobby of raising chickens. His backyard is not just a home for these feathered friends; it's a testament to the diverse world of home-and-garden lifestyle, where talented gardener Arthur Parkinson embraces the art of gardening, along with the daily rituals and character of his chickens.
