"Chickens are great companions. If only people knew how smart and loveable they can be."

- C. Albritton

The 21-day transformation from egg to chick is a miracle to behold. From a seemingly inanimate object, springs life. As a poultry hobbyist of several years now, I have witnessed the amazing incubation and hatching process myself first hand many times. I have seen their tiny hearts beating inside the shell, amid a network of fragile veins, I have watched their development day by day, until, at last, the newborn chick emerges and takes the first breath of air- and it's true what they say, if you're there at hatching, you have a friend for life.

It is also true what I read somewhere online, "once you get chickens in your blood you can't get enough". I am now fortunate enough to have a whole flock of little companions, of all different breeds and gender, each with their own personality, tastes, and little quirks. They love to be hand-fed raisins and lettuce, and they enjoy being petted and fussed over, especially the Bantams. Their intelligence and ability to learn is startling. Their social structure is rigid, and when one spends enough time with them, and/or one is perceived as "mom"- one is accepted into the flock. Make no mistake about it, they are capable of individual recognition- my mixed breed rooster Filbert sets off the alarm at strangers in our yard, better than a watchdog.

Over the years I have come to respect hens and roosters alike as charming, unassuming and fascinating pets, and I wish more people knew and understood the capability that domestic fowl have for companionship. There is a lot of ignorance about chickens in general, and a lot of disregard for them, based upon this widespread ignorance. Please take a few moments and let me introduce you to my "tribe" and let me share a few facts and tidbits that I've learned about these amazing birds! I promise you won't be disappointed.