My dear friend Sarah came over for a play date today, and since it was such a nice day (meaning that while it wasn't exactly sunny, it at least wasn't pouring down rain) the kids played in the backyard while we talked. I went inside to get something for Rowan, and when I came back out, Sarah was admiring our chickens. We talked about them for a minute, and then she very kindly asked what we planned on doing with our boy(s). I sputtered "What!??!" but wasn't all that surprised when I asked if it was the black one and she said that yes - Blackie is definitely, without a doubt, a rooster. I KNEW IT!! But she also said that one of our Speckled Sussex's might be a boy too. That would be a bummer, because the Sussex are easily my favorites because they are so calm and sweet. She showed me how the roosters feathers come to a point at the end, while the hens feathers are nicely rounded at the tips. The jury is still out on the Sussex - she couldn't tell me for sure so we are just going to have to wait and keep watching their behaviors. So in a few weeks, little Blackie will be taking a car ride to his new home at Sarah's farm. Which is slightly amusing, because I first met Sarah when I had to re-home my original flock of chickens. She took two of our girls out to her farm that first time, and here I am foisting more birds off on her. I guess as long as I continue to fail at being a chicken farmer, Sarah will continue to reap the benefits! ;)
So now we are down to 5, and this story is "to be continued".....
So now we are down to 5, and this story is "to be continued".....
