Even a "City Girl" Can Learn Philosophy and New Things from Chickens!

 

Peanut, the World's Oldest Chicken

#35 August 29:  Most chickens live 5-8 years, Peanut is the oldest living chicken at 21.  Her 71 year old owner in Michigan rescued her as a hatchling by helping her crack open the shell when she realized the chick was missing an “egg tooth” to help it break out of its shell.  When she tried to introduce “Peanut” into the flock, she was often bullied by the other hens, probably because she is small even for a Bantam hen, but she finally found her place in the “pecking order” and hatched many of her own chicks.  About 6 years ago she had had enough of Michigan winters even in the chicken coup and came onto her owner’s porch, demanding to come in.  She has been in ever since dining on blueberry yogurt and feed .  When Guinness officially declared Peanut, the oldest living chicken, Marsi Darwin self-published a children’s book, My Girl Peanut and Me – On Love and Life from the World’s Oldest Chicken.  Her message is “even if you are rejected, or feel a misfit, you can still find someone to bond with and have a long productive life.”  Who knew you could learn philosophy from a chicken? 8/30

#36 August 30:  And while we are on chickens.  My neighbor at Park’s Peak, Jackie Wilkens recently bought a brood of “Easter Egger” chickens.  They lay green and blue eggs!  She was thrilled when they started laying eggs and brought me a dozen.  They are truly beautiful as eggs go and make great omelets.  I remember as a child going to the State Fair and one of my favorite barns was the chicken barn, where all of the exotic “tufted” chickens were displayed.  I also remember it being a milestone when my Aunt Ellen decided I was finally old enough and responsible enough to carry the egg basket without dropping or breaking them when we would gather the eggs from her chickens. However, I forever remained terrified of the rooster who would squawk and try to peck me, often pinning me in a corner of the barn. 8/30