City Chickens
My chickens need my attention every day. Each morning, regardless of weather, I must venture outside to tend to them. I confess that, even at that early hour, I’m often already exhausted by the looming responsibilities of my business and household. With the subtle sounds of nature in the background, I begin my chores by rinsing out and refreshing the flock’s water dishes. Next, I dispense their feed into a few small bowls, which I place in various spots about the yard. (This is helpful for my mixed flock.) Finally, I open the coop door to release my birds, and a whirlwind of feathers rushes past me. It’s not long before I’m humming a personalized tune for each chicken, and my attitude softens.
It's a daily surprise how much this brief morning meditation lifts my spirits. In a time when respite from the troubles of our world seems out of reach, the value of this experience isn’t lost on me.
I’ve been a backyard chicken educator for many years. Since the beginning, I’ve been fascinated by the idea that there’s truly no other animal whose relationship with humans spans as far and wide as that of the chicken. They’re a part of our common history, culture, and even spirituality. This is why I call them “humankind’s most amazing common denominator,” and
