The many hats a chicken wears
Picture this: you wake up to the sound of birds chirping. The warm rays of the Australian sun are seeping into the room, while Murphy, our Beagle buddy, is curled up at the foot of the bed, lazily stretching. Felicia, my better half, is in the kitchen, already busy brewing the first pot of coffee for the day. Elmo, our parrot, is squawking his morning greetings to anyone who'd listen. And there's a familiar clucking in the backyard – it's our chicken, Nandini, busy pecking at her grain.
I'm Maverick. And today we are discussing chickens! Not just those fluffy feathered creatures but the thousands of ways in which they contribute to our lives. Felix, my spouse, always says, "Until you've owned a chicken, you cannot fathom the multi-layered joy these beings bring". So let's get started on understanding this joy.
It goes beyond the eggs and the Sunday roast – bear with me, because it's going to be quite a clucky ride.
Feathered Fertilizer Factory
If you're lucky enough to have a chicken or a few at your home, you'll know that they're not just providers of eggs, or, in some cases, meat. They're tireless workers, always on the move, scratching around your garden, pecking at anything remotely food-like they find. But did you know that they're also some of the world's best natural fertilizers?
Their droppings are rich, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - all vital nutrients for the health and growth of your plants. But hold on - don't start flinging chicken poop on your veggies just yet! It's best to compost it first, as it can be too rich and 'hot' for plants, potentially burning roots. My tip: add it to your compost pile and let nature do its thing. After several weeks, you'll have a beautifully matured compost that smells like the promise of rich, green growth.
So, here's to our feathered friends who provide not just breakfast but also a boost for our gardens.
Your personal pest pal
Have you ever found yourself continually combating garden pests, those nasty critters that just love to gobble up your carefully cultivated plants? Well, it's time to put the pesticides away and let your chicken do the legwork.
Perhaps not surprisingly, chickens absolutely love insects, bugs, and pests. They will happily peck away cockroaches, beetles, spiders, and even rats! They can also demolish an ant colony in a matter of hours. Chickens are enthusiastic pest controllers, and unlike chemical sprays, they're completely natural, not to mention rather amusing to watch.
The flock that heals
Pets, in general, are known to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase overall well-being. My Murphy and Elmo have often been the antidote to my rough days. But here's something you perhaps might not know – chickens, too, can have a therapeutic effect.
In fact, 'Chicken Therapy' is gaining traction worldwide. Interacting with chickens, touching them, feeding them, or merely watching them peck about can have a calming effect, almost like meditation. The humble chicken, despite its common stature in our lives, has a lot to offer in the way of human health and happiness.
Cleansers at large
Have a piece of land that needs to be turned into a fertile ground? Or maybe an area overrun with weeds, grass, or unwanted pests? Ladies and gentlemen, this is yet another job for the chicken! Chickens are natural 'tillers'. When let loose upon a piece of land, they will peck and scratch away at the soil, digging up and eating all sorts of grubs, pests, and seeds. This tilling is a 'no-dig' method of clearing an area. Just sit back, let your chickens roam, and wait for the magic to happen.
Feathery fun for kids
Remember how as kids, we were taught about the lifecycle of a butterfly or a frog? Imagine, if instead, your kid could witness the entire process of a chicken hatching from an egg! Kids and chickens can be a great combination – it's a fully interactive, fun, and educational experience. Not to mention, having a pet chicken can teach your children values such as responsibility and empathy.
Just remember to supervise your young ones when they're around the chickens, especially when they're still fluffy little chicks. Kids can sometimes be over-enthusiastic!
Once a chicken, always an artist
Ever seen a chicken paint? If not, buckle up — chickens, with a bit of training, can create their very own masterpieces! Surprised? I was too. Until one day, Felicia decided it would be a fun activity to do with our hen, Nandini. And voila, Nandini took to it like a duck to water, or should I say, a chicken to feed!
All you need is some non-toxic, washable paint, a canvas, and a chicken treat to get them walking across the canvas. You'll soon have abstract art that'll give any modern artist a run for their money. Plus, it's a conversation starter like no other ("Oh yeah, this piece? It's an original Nandini").
The humble chicken, it turns out, has a feather-duster full of surprises to offer, engaging us in ways we didn't even think possible. From gracing our breakfast plates to brightening up our gardens and even adding a splash of color to our artistic endeavors, the chicken truly rules the roost. Here's to celebrating the versatility of this underappreciated feathered friend!
