Chicken keeping

So where did this fondness for chickens start.

It started on a turkey farm in NSW in the 1940's and 50's when a ferry driver and his wife set about raising an income for their large family. Their daughter's job was to help with the chores which included looking after a flock of Rhode Island Reds. (not me) That little girl grew up, got married, had children and moved to the city. One day the eldest of those children was required to look after a day old chick as a part of a school project. (still not me) The tiny chick grew into a large black hen and a much loved family pet. An Australorp maybe? The hen stole the cats food and did wonderful tricks like pooing on disgusted female relatives. Unfortunately one day that hen went to chicken heaven.

Years later the sibling discovered the art of nagging. Imagine 'Can I have a chicken?' said over and over. Finally one year she was given Araucana and a frizzle bantam day old chicks. One a hen, the other a rooster. Lovely little frizzled green egg layers were hatched. The rooster didn't like men at all but was an excellent flock protector, keeping a 20kg bull terrier X at bay.
One day, it was the humans turn to leave the nest. Sadly the chickens couldn't come :-(

Fast forward almost 20 years later, and the nagging engine swings into gear. 'Wouldn't it be lovely to have some chickens' 'A pet that gives food to the household, how nice would that be'

Finally January 2011, the husband gave the ok.
Then was the researching and searching for the perfect breeds... Must be a good layer to impress husband... Must be nice to look at and low maintenance... Oooo isn't that one nice... And that one too.
Five day old chicks took up residence in the brooder. They grew quickly, two decided to turn into roosters. They were replaced, a few more were added. A poultry sale was visited, one was planned...three came home.

Which brings us to the current flock...

Dottie the Silver laced Wyandotte
Mackles the Minorca
Bev the Barnvelder
Dandelion the white Silky
Madam the Salmon Faverolle
Lady the Splash Langshan Bantam
Annie the Rhode Island Red
Bluey the Bantam Cross
The nameless black tailed Japanese Bantam Rooster.