Modern Family (With Chickens) 3

So what is family? That mythical unit of parents and kids full of love and support and a lifetime of happy memories? Or the folks that are thrown together by dint of biology that will cost a lifetime of therapy to undue the damage inflicted there? Or something altogether different that you cobble together to suit your needs?

The dictionary defines family as “a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood, or adoption, constituting a single household and interacting with each other in their respective social positions, usually those of spouses, parents, children, and siblings.”

Another model, arising out of the LGBT community, is the concept of a chosen family. The bonds made are not based on biology, but common identities, interests or values. My mother, who did not come from a happy family, often repeated the mantra espoused by her mother that “family you’re born with, friends you choose”, implying of course, that we’d rather exercise choice if possible.

As a longtime dog and cat owner it’s clear to me that most folks consider their mammal companions as an extended (and oftentimes integral) member of their family. They are often referred to as ‘fur babies’, ‘man’s best friend’, ‘companion animals’ and more recently ‘therapy animals’. Folks use terms like mum, dad or grandparents that denote relationships placing their pet squarely in their family tree. Popular pet names reflect the esteem we garner upon them: Max (best), Fido (faithful) and Buddy (close friend).

So it’s no surprise that these feelings of kinship for our household pets extend to our flock or ‘feather babies’. Some folks draw the line at bringing their birds inside their homes while others have full-time house chickens. It’s interesting that we can be appalled how some people in other areas of the world view and treat dogs and cats, while we relegate chickens to the status of livestock or ‘just a chicken’. When my dog is being a brat I tell her that there are areas of the world where she might be considered dinner (to which she’s truly shocked). Yet we can love our chickens and also eat them (or someone else’s). Or maybe we don’t, deciding they, too, are worthy of being recognized as sentient beings with a life deserving respect.

Full disclosure: This isn’t a judgment about dietary preferences; I, too, struggle with the conflict of loving chickens and eating poultry (just not my own).

Photo credit: Andrea Chan-Cook and Unknown

This is my 95-year-old neighbour. He’s been living alone since his wife passed away from cancer, and not long ago, he also lost his loyal companion dog. Now, every day, our chicken Hei Hei escapes the yard just to visit him. She sits with him, accepts treats, and lets him pet her like an old friend. It’s almost like she knows he needed someone, and somehow, she decided it would be her. – Unknown

Photo credit: Kathryn Mcclure Bouman and Brenda Zold

I got married today and wasn’t able to tend to my chickens until this evening (they had food and water in the coop). The first thing I did when I got home was let them out to free range, still in my wedding dress – Unknown

I ended up finding a wild turkey on 17 eggs that my b-hole chickens hid on the farm. Of the 17, only two were viable. Two days after taking them away I hatched out these two babies. I had already hatched all the chicks I wanted for this year so I used a smaller brooder box for these babies and don’t really have a place for them while I clean it out so usually someone holds them. My dad is in his seventies and sometimes feels like he can’t do much to be helpful around the farm so I asked him to hold the babies. He hates his picture taken and when I said, ”You know you can smile!” He replied, “Nah uh!” and smirked, trying to hide his head. He tried the “If I can’t see you, you can’t see me” trick. I still see you. I absolutely love this picture. – Renessa Demeter

When we lived in India, my daughters learned an important skill: chicken-wearing. The community we lived with carry their hens to market in front wraps, like feathery, mildly indignant babies. My kids took one look and thought, “Yes. Chicken wearing is for us.” Now our chickens get carried around the house (and everywhere else) like VIPs, and I’m just here wondering when they’ll start demanding snacks and a bedtime story. – Karlie Fox-Knudtsen

Who else has a kid who takes dust baths with their chickens? This girl takes animal lover to a whole other level. – Lydia Hunt

What did I start? My kids’ favourite girl acted like she wanted in the house, so of course they let her in without hesitation (for some reason I allowed it ). Not long after, she hopped up on the couch and popped out an egg. Looks like she needs to pop one out now. – Ashley Anderson

We went on a picnic in my husband’s 1965 Volvo 122s wagon for my birthday tonight and my kids insisted on bringing a chicken. Goldie loved every moment! – Cassie Ross

I dropped off my son at my best friend’s house for a playdate. I opened her bedroom door and found this. Fresh out of the bath and getting a pedicure. I just love her. – Molly Davis

Our daughter passed two weeks ago from cancer. I promised her that I would take her babies on walks in their stroller. The baby Silkies seem to enjoy it. I am now the Crazy Chicken Lady. This is Binoo and Pope Francis. Not pictured are Rasin, Ajax, Kowalski. Honourable mentions to Birch, unnamed Ayam Cemani, Charcoal, Kumar, Miss Harold, Cannoli, Nugget, and Blue Bell. And my girls Maple Nut and Oregano. – Stacey Beckley