All I Want for Christmas is a Chicken?

 

by Margaret E. Kellogg

I'm sure that many of you have heard the various things children want for Christmas. But, have you ever heard a child tell Santa, "I want a chicken for Christmas?" Usually, it's the latest hand-held game, doll, puppy or kitten, but not a chicken.

I'm so happy that I'm a crazy chicken lady who just decided to hatch some chicks after the main hatching season was over. I had lost most of my Polish hens to either a fox or creatures that fly, so I wanted to hatch some. I also wanted a few more white Silkies, so I incubated a few of them. There were some bluish and smaller eggs, and I was curious to see who was laying those. So, I also incubated them. I had beautiful white Silkies, Self blue d'uccles mixed with cochin, hatch in October. I also incubated Polish and a few miscellaneous eggs that I knew would be banty, but I wasn't sure what kind. This batch hatched right before Thanksgiving.

Born October 27th, 2011

Yesterday when I got home from work, I found a message on my phone left by someone who had obtained a few chicks from me earlier in the year. When I returned the call, I started to tell the woman about the variety of chicks I had. She was pleasantly surprised that I had any ... and was especially delighted when I said I had white Silkies.

"Oh, white Silkies!" she said. "That's just what my son wants. He even brought out a book and showed us a picture of one."

About 1 month old

I told her they were about 2-months-old and nicely fluffing out. The white Silkie hen was also sitting on a few eggs at this point, which I expected to hatch around Christmas. So I told her I would be fine with parting with a couple of the older ones.

I also added that I had some red ribbon, which I could make into a big bow for the chick or chicks. She asked how late she could pick it up, and I told her she could come on Christmas Eve if she wanted, so it would be a lovely surprise for her son.

Now, I think I'm as excited as the parents about giving the little boy this special gift. I have been very pleased with how lovely the Silkies look.

Currently, they are with the Polish and the mix.

I would love to see the look on the little boy's face when he receives this chick or chicks. The parents haven't decided if they want to get one or two. What a delightful and special gift. I'm so happy I was crazy enough to hatch out a few chicks for myself ... or I wouldn't have this opportunity.

Happy Hatching and Happy Holidays. Chickens are a joy year round.