meet the chickens

We’ve had many chickens at Anam Cara and have loved each and every one of them.  And of all the animals we call family, the chickens are the ones we lose and, conversely, save the most often. It can be tricky living in an area with predatory wildlife so close by, coyotes and eagles, animals who are also worthy of life and freedom. We balance the chicken’s need for freedom and social connection by placing them in a fenced field with sheep and pigs. But, it isn’t always easy.

We have lost chickens to common viruses but have also taken many to the vet to heal and treat. We’ve given each the respect they deserve and have held them dear till they passed. We\ve lost them to coyotes but we’ve also saved them from the same. They are great at raising an alarm, as I run and scream at the coyote and odd eagle.

Clients also love the chickens, especially the kids. They squat down and talk to them, watch them dust bath or preen, and listen to their in-depth conversations with one another. It is a great place for them to practice stillness when the urge to try to pick them up is front and centre. 

Ever changing, we honour those chickens who have come before in our memorial site in the sheep field.