Winter Perspectives

Today I posted on my Social Media platforms a recent memory brought to mind prompted by going through older photos of sunnier times. I find myself forgetting sometimes that I now have access to this blog and tend to write lengthy captions on my Instagram and Facebook posts rather than simply popping on here and letting loose. I'm sure the habit will come in time.

For today, another day spent elbows deep in Workshop development and email correspondence, I will simply revise and compile today's posts into something coherent.

Full disclosure; this is another chicken memory and I love it, but anyone out there reading should also know that not all of these posts will be stories about my beloved flock. This is simply a snapshot in my journey that made me feel warm and fuzzy on a cold January day. I hope you enjoy.

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This beautiful girl is Wet’Guinny. I’ve had the great pleasure of her company since she was born and I am so fortunate to have the love and trust of my beloved flock. 🐣 • We’ve had our ups and downs for sure. In nature, an animal will hide, for as long as they can, the negative effects and symptoms of illness or injury for fear of revealing weakness. Because of this instinct, by the time one notices an issue, it is often too late. It’s for reasons like this that it’s so important to get to know the different personalities of your lovely little critters. That way — you can know in a single moment if one of your gals (or guys) isn’t feeling well. This has happened more than once with poor Wet’Guinny. The first time we suspected she had an egg break inside of her, and the second time she had ‘sour crop’. Both of these happenings are highly dangerous and could have cost her her life. Thankfully, our flock is well loved and cared for and we are able to tell immediately when she is not acting herself. Because of that, I get to enjoy her sweet little chortles that haven’t changed much since she was a chick and her gentle demeanour. • Those who don’t have chickens don’t really get it. I certainly didn’t. That said — I highly recommend getting acquainted with these beautiful birds. They are _highly_ therapeutic and a true joy to be around.

Baby Wet’Guinny — this reeeeealllly is a throwback to when she was just a couple of days old.

she was so alert and comfortable with me from such a young age. Animals really can sense your intentions — and my girls could sense very early on my fierce protective instincts for them ♥️ • I can still remember so vividly the night when the chicks were covered up for the evening in their brooder and we meant to be going to bed. After their lullabies — I could hear one of the girls still fussing quite loudly. I was thisssss 🤏🏼 close to leaving her to fuss herself to sleep when I just felt a deep and true uncertainty. Doubling back, I drew back the blanket that covered their brooder and discovered she had slipped off the roost and wedged herself between the wall and the water jug. Needless to say — I was so thankful that I trusted my instincts and so was Wet’Guinny as she calmed down cuddled into my chest. That was the first time I took real notice of the different tones a bird can make judging on the situation they are in. Say what you will, I’ve spent a lot of time ensuring that I am speaking the language of my animal allies, and not simply expecting them to understand me. Take an extra moment to try to really hear someone and you may save a life.

And for final throwback, I tossed in a photo of a couple of Wet’Guinny’s sisters joining her for some scratching around in the dirt. • Sweetums, Pick-up and T’other are pictured here keeping her company and sharing in the sunshine. ☀️ • It’s funny how perspective changes in time. I remember feeling that the day this photo was taken was cold, even though it was sunny. Now though, I would love to have a day like this. • We’re deep into Winter and it feels like everything has been encased in ice and snow for ages. ❄️ Seeing all the open ground in this photo feels like such a treat. I look forward to Spring when the Earth revives 🙌🏼

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