Backyard Chickens

[Picard]

Please, close and delete this f******* thread for Jesus' sake!

touchy

 

[VioletF]

*Being said, I doubt I have ever tasted a difference between free range eggs and the rest. I will keep that in mind next time I have eggs and will try and taste a difference. We don't have chickens but sure I can find free range somewhere?

PnP usually has them (PnP's own brand) - they're slightly more expensive, though. Also try places that source from local people - my parents sell their free-range chicken eggs to the local Spar.

BTW, chickens are omnivores if they have the choice. The ones I've seen (apparently called Forest Fowl) adore snails in particular, but they also eat insects, spiders, small frogs and other (unmentionable) things.

They're very social birds and their social structure is fascinating - you can always tell who's "top girl" of the flock.

The rooster always keeps an eye on the sky and gives a particular call whenever something flies overhead - either an emergency alarm for birds of prey, in which case they all vanish under the nearest bush, or just an "informational" alert for doves, etc. The rooster will also call everyone if he finds something interesting to eat. He looks for good places to make nests and will usually prepare the spot (by trampling grass, etc, flat for instance) and then call a hen.

I love watching them forage - it's like watching fish in a tank; very relaxing.