This is Fireworks. When we got her I thought she was the scrawniest, ugliest chicken I had ever seen and I found Owen's choice of a name darkly funny. I don't think he meant to be darkly funny. I think he chose "Fireworks" because she was orange and maybe because she looked like she'd just survived an explosion. She's some kind of bantam frizzle and she's very shrill and quick, always racing around and squawking.
She was so runty and hideous that I assumed she had to be a loser in all departments, including intelligence. When will I ever learn? All day I've been trying to think of a specific and dramatic example to illustrate Fireworks' cleverness, but it's hard with a chicken. I'll just say that on many occasions I've noticed her snaking a bread crust away from a bigger chicken or chasing off a crow. There is also the fact that she's managed to survive countless bobcat, hawk, and raccoon attacks on the flock. That's no mean feat. At this point, she may be our most senior hen.
Last night I got home at 10 and went straight down to shut the chickens up in their house. I found Fireworks pacing around in the run, muttering. Odd. All the hens are usually inside well before dark. Had she forgotten how to climb the ladder to the door? I picked her up, popped her inside the house, shut the door.
The door doesn't close cleanly and I fumbled with the lock for a nanosecond and when I couldn't get the rod to go through the slot, gave up because it was dark and I figured it wasn't a big deal. This is called cutting corners. I turned around to leave when -- BOOM -- the door flew open and Fireworks and the other bantam, Birthday, came screaming down the ladder. Slithering after them came a skunk. The skunk promptly sprayed and vanished into the night.
My point is this: freaky little Fireworks was the only hen smart enough to leave the house when that skunk turned up earlier in the evening. All the rest of the hens were up there thinking the skunk might be too full after eating all their eggs (which he had) to bother eating them. More likely, they weren't thinking at all. But Fireworks? So on the ball.
Of course, most of the hens were roosting on a pole a few feet above the skunk and because Fireworks doesn't roost she was in a particularly vulnerable position. But Birthday doesn't roost either and she was just hanging out with the skunk. Frankly, I think any hen, roosting or not, would have been wise to make herself scarce when that skunk appeared. As Brad Pitt said in World War Z, "Movement is life." Or something like that.
The other point is that sometimes you're rewarded for laziness. If I'd taken two seconds to actually lock the door like I knew I should, the skunk would have been trapped in the hen house all night and Lord only knows what I would have found in there this morning.
*****
I just made this roasted broccoli with smoked paprika and almonds for dinner. It is fabulous and easy and you should try it.
She was so runty and hideous that I assumed she had to be a loser in all departments, including intelligence. When will I ever learn? All day I've been trying to think of a specific and dramatic example to illustrate Fireworks' cleverness, but it's hard with a chicken. I'll just say that on many occasions I've noticed her snaking a bread crust away from a bigger chicken or chasing off a crow. There is also the fact that she's managed to survive countless bobcat, hawk, and raccoon attacks on the flock. That's no mean feat. At this point, she may be our most senior hen.
see how much smaller and homelier? |
We aren't carpenters. |
My point is this: freaky little Fireworks was the only hen smart enough to leave the house when that skunk turned up earlier in the evening. All the rest of the hens were up there thinking the skunk might be too full after eating all their eggs (which he had) to bother eating them. More likely, they weren't thinking at all. But Fireworks? So on the ball.
Of course, most of the hens were roosting on a pole a few feet above the skunk and because Fireworks doesn't roost she was in a particularly vulnerable position. But Birthday doesn't roost either and she was just hanging out with the skunk. Frankly, I think any hen, roosting or not, would have been wise to make herself scarce when that skunk appeared. As Brad Pitt said in World War Z, "Movement is life." Or something like that.
The other point is that sometimes you're rewarded for laziness. If I'd taken two seconds to actually lock the door like I knew I should, the skunk would have been trapped in the hen house all night and Lord only knows what I would have found in there this morning.
*****
I just made this roasted broccoli with smoked paprika and almonds for dinner. It is fabulous and easy and you should try it.
The anticipation in this post was incredible. That smart little chicken. Way to prove Werner Herzog wrong, Fireworks.
ReplyDeleteFreaking skunks.
Go, Fireworks! And thank you, Jennifer, for reminding me why I decided to not keep chickens. The gruesome black bear attack on a friend's coop is a distant memory, but you reminded about the time a skunk sprayed my neighbor's coop and despite being more than an acre away we smelled it all through a family reunion BBQ.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have black bears. That's the only predator we don't have.
DeleteSo, did you get sprayed? If so, my family swears by tomato juice. Jennifer, you need to trust this chicken! She is a runt and has learned to cope. She sounds like she has keen observational skills. Isn't it funny how we hesitate to trust an animals instincts? One of my dogs always knows when it is storming within 150 miles, no kidding, but I often ignore him, to my chagrin. This was the best story, and you are a great storyteller!
ReplyDeleteNo! I did not get sprayed.
DeleteAnd I was thinking later, maybe the other chickens knew what they were doing, too. Maybe their ancestors learned that if you are very still and quiet predators will leave you alone and go after the jumpy little runt.
She looks like I feel after spending the day at a theme park in 90 degree heat and 150 degree humidity!!
ReplyDeleteBTW I am glad you are back!!
I can't figure out why her face is so red.
DeleteI have the new Food52 cookbook. I hope they continue to publish annually. It is helping me to get over the loss of the Best American Recipes series.
ReplyDeleteHere is a recipe from our vet for skunk deoderizer: 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1-2 tablespoons Dawn dishwashing liquid. It worked well enough on the dog that he could sleep in the house that night.
This is not a comment on your current post, but a thank-you for bringing The Homesick Texan into my life. I am a homesick Texan (not missing Texas, but definitely the food), and I have been happily cooking my way through the book. I didn't think I needed another Texas cookbook, but this is my favorite.
Fortunately I did not get sprayed, but it is only a matter of time. We've had a dozen close skunk encounters this spring/summer.
DeleteI'm glad you're liking Homesick Texan!
What an awesome-looking hen! I knew skunks would eat eggs, but I didn't realize they might kill a chicken.
ReplyDeletep.s. I think you meant its not it's.
Mortifying. And in the headline. Thank you.
DeleteSupposedly skunks will not eat a whole chicken, but kill several at once and gnaw on their heads. Internet reports vary.
I love this post! Honestly, your chicken/skunk/goat/bobcat writing abilities are unsurpassed!
ReplyDeleteI would make that roasted broccoli tonight except my A/C is kaput...the recipe is by my friend Arielle (she's from Austin so I know she knows the value of A/C)...so it's broccoli slaw, and BBQ chicken (sorry Fireworks).
ReplyDeleteHmm, it's too hot to be roasting anything but I might try this on the grill (broccoli roasting in grill pan) -- that would give the same effect, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Fireworks has survived to see another Fourth of July and I'm especially glad you have a chicken survival story to share to counterbalance the bobcat/neighbor dog atrocities.
We had our neighborhood raccoons come back and fight each other on a nightly basis until each and every cherry was gone from our cherry tree. I hate those raccoons so much. My neighbor has chickens and I have NO idea how she keeps them alive with those jerks around.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your health scare was just a scare.
Wow. Trust the wisdom of the scrawny chicken, indeed. I gather you were not actually sprayed by the skunk, thank goodness. I share my piece of suburbia with a lot of wildlife. A major skunk trail goes through my yard, and deer frolic around the neighborhood at all hours. We have foxes, but no bobcats. I have no livestock, but I have a very chewed garden. All these beasties are only cute when they're not eating my peas.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! That chicken is adorable! My grandmother has three chickens, two rhode island reds and a white leghorn. I'm getting 6 chickens, a white sultan, a silkie, an easter egger bantam, a blue splash Maran, welsummer bantam, and a mille fluer bantam. I'm so excited, and I love your book!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog and I already have a writerly crush of sorts on you! You are hilarious.
ReplyDeletewedding dresses
ReplyDeleteblackhawks jersey
chiefs jersey
nike mercurial
seattle seahawks jerseys
bears jerseys
gucci outlet
coach outlet
nike air max 2015
oakley sunglasses canada
the north face uk
north face outlet store
canada goose outlet
cheap nba jerseys
rolex watches uk
philadelphia eagles jerseys
seahawks jersey
moncler coats
the north face clearance
the north face
nick foles jersey,eagles elite jersey
juicy couture outlet
tommy hilfiger outlet
cartier watches
minnesota vikings jerseys
hermes birkin
vans shoes
ahmad bradshaw jersey,josh mcnary jersey,andrew luck jersey,donte moncrief jersey,delano howell jersey,robert mathis jersey,andrew luck jersey,trent richardson jersey
chanel handbags
lebron shoes
yongri0716
Longchamp OutletUGG BootsUGG Black FridayMoncler Black Friday
ReplyDeleteRed Bottom ShoesChristian Louboutin ShoesMoncler JacketsNorth Face OutletNorth Face Black FridayKate Spade Black FridayCoach FactoryCoach Handbags
Coach Black FridayNorth Face JacketsBurberry OutletCheap UGG BootsNorth Face OutletKate Spade OutletCoach OutletMoncler JacketsCheap Nike Air MaxNike Air Max DamskieCheap Red Bottom ShoesChristian Louboutin OutletBurberry OutletBalenciaga OutletBurberry HandbagsBalenciaga HandbagsCheap UGG BootsUggs BootsKate Spade OutletToms ShoesHermes BletUGG BootsUGG Boots SaleUggs BootsLouis Vuitton Outlet
barbour jackets
ReplyDeletetiffany and co
ed hardy clothing
miami dolphins
toms outlet store
coach handbags outlet
true religion outlet
nfl jerseys
snapbacks wholesale
true religion outlet
pittsburgh steelers
oakley sunglasses wholesale
cyber monday deals
mac cosmetics
canada goose outelt
canada goose jackets
abercrombie and fitch
michael kors outlet
michael kors factory online
discount ugg boots
1118minko
jianbin0425
ReplyDeletemichael kors outlet clearance
tiffany and co
cazal sunglasses
coach outlet online
louis vuitton bags
ray-ban sunglasses
rolex watches outlet
ralph lauren uk
longchamp outlet
nfl jersey wholesale
swarovski crystal
basketball shoes
true religion outlet
nike air max
montblanc pens
christian louboutin shoes
prada outlet
michael kors handbags
cheap ray ban sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet stores
beats by dr dre
ray ban sunglasses
swarovski crystal
burberry outlet online
replica watches
true religion outlet
longchamp pliage
michael kors handbags
tiffany jewellery
herve leger outlet
tiffany outlet
cheap nfl jerseys
michael kors sale
christian louboutin outlet
happy diwali sms
ReplyDeletehappy diwali
diwali images
happy new year 2017
new year shayari
new year images
happy navratri
independence day sms
raksha bandhan sms
online sbi personal banking
happy birthday wishes
free web hosting
pnb net banking activation
sol result
metro card recharge
tods sale
ReplyDeletecoach factory outlet
celine outlet
timberland shoes
air jordan femme
giuseppe zanotti outlet
louboutin femme
oakley sunglasses
cheap air jordans
coach outlet
coach factory outlet
louis vuitton handbags
kobe 11 shoes
air jordan shoes
louboutin shoes
polo ralph lauren
oakley outlet
coach factory outlet
discount jordans
coach outlet
kate spade handbags
coach factory outlet online
michael kors outlet online
coach outlet store online
coach outlet store
kobe shoes 11
michael kors outlet
red bottom shoes
michael kors outlet online
louis vuitton purses
cheap jerseys
true religion outlet online
rolex watches
oakley sunglasses outlet
louis vuitton outlet stores
ray ban outlet
abercrombie clothing
air jordan shoes
michael kors outlet online
jordan retro 8
20168.2chenjinyan
sbi home loan
ReplyDeletefitflops outlet
ReplyDeletelouis vuitton outlet online
ugg australia outlet
ugg canada sale
cheap nfl jerseys
michael kors uk
fitflops
tiffany uk
burberry outlet canada
michael kors outlet store
pandora charms uk
canada goose outlet
uggs canada
skechers outlet
cheap jordans
michael kors outlet online
hermes belt
coach factory outlet
cheap ray ban sunglasses
nike huarache black
cheap nike air max
supra outlet
nike air force black
new balance shoes
uggs outlet
reebok outlet store
michael kors canada
cartier
christian louboutin outlet
yeezy boost 750
rolex daytona
2016815CAIYAN
Happy govardhan puja 2016
ReplyDeletehappy new year 2017 wishes
ReplyDeleteKannur University Hall Ticket 2016
ReplyDeleteKannur University Result 2016 for all course
Kannur University Admit Card 2016
Kannur University Hall Ticket 2017
Kannur University Result 2017
Kannur University Admit Card 2016
Kannur University Entrance Date 2016
Kannur University Degree Allotment
Kannur University Trial Allotment 2016
Kannur University Admission 2016
Kannur University Onlie Admission
Kannur University Distance Education Result 2016
Kannur University Hall Ticket 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University BA Result 2016-2017
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Hall Ticket 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Result 2016 for all course
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Admit Card 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Hall Ticket 2017
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Result 2017
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Admit Card 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Entrance Date 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Degree Allotment
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Trial Allotment 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Admission 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Onlie Admission
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Distance Education Result 2016
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Hall Ticket 2016
Karnatak State Open University BA Result 2016-2017
Karnatak State Open University Hall Ticket 2016
Karnatak State Open University Result 2016 for all course
Karnatak State Open University Admit Card 2016
Karnatak State Open University Hall Ticket 2017
Karnatak State Open University Result 2017
Karnatak State Open University Admit Card 2016
Karnatak State Open University Entrance Date 2016
Karnatak State Open University Degree Allotment
ReplyDeleteKarnatak State Open University Trial Allotment 2016
Karnatak State Open University Admission 2016
Karnatak State Open University Onlie Admission
Karnatak State Open University Distance Education Result 2016
Karnatak State Open University Hall Ticket 2016
Andhara University BA Result 2016-2017
Andhara University Hall Ticket 2016
Andhara University Result 2016 for all course
Andhara University Admit Card 2016
Andhara University Hall Ticket 2017
Andhara University Result 2017
Andhara University Admit Card 2016
Andhara University Entrance Date 2016
Andhara University Degree Allotment
Andhara University Trial Allotment 2016
Andhara University Admission 2016
Andhara University Onlie Admission
Andhara University Distance Education Result 2016
Andhara University Hall Ticket 2016
Symbiosis University BA Result 2016-2017
Symbiosis University Hall Ticket 2016
Symbiosis University Result 2016 for all course
Symbiosis University Admit Card 2016
Symbiosis University Hall Ticket 2017
Symbiosis University Result 2017
Symbiosis University Admit Card 2016
Symbiosis University Entrance Date 2016
Symbiosis University Degree Allotment
Symbiosis University Trial Allotment 2016
Symbiosis University Admission 2016
Symbiosis University Onlie Admission
Symbiosis University Distance Education Result 2016
Symbiosis University Hall Ticket 2016
IBS Hydrabad BA Result 2016-2017
IBS Hydrabad Hall Ticket 2016
IBS Hydrabad Result 2016 for all course
IBS Hydrabad Admit Card 2016
ReplyDeleteIBS Hydrabad Hall Ticket 2017
IBS Hydrabad Result 2017
IBS Hydrabad Admit Card 2016
IBS Hydrabad Entrance Date 2016
IBS Hydrabad Degree Allotment
IBS Hydrabad Trial Allotment 2016
IBS Hydrabad Admission 2016
IBS Hydrabad Onlie Admission
IBS Hydrabad Distance Education Result 2016
IBS Hydrabad Hall Ticket 2016
List Of MBA Colleges
Government Jobs & Opportunity
UPSC Requitment 2016
Indian Railway Requitment 2016
Bihar Topper 2016
Magadh University
Magadh University Hall Ticket 2016
Magadh University Result 2016 for all course
Magadh University Admit Card 2016
Magadh University Hall Ticket 2017
Magadh University Result 2017
Magadh University Admit Card 2016
Magadh University Entrance Date 2016
Magadh University Degree Allotment
Magadh University Trial Allotment 2016
Magadh University Admission 2016
Magadh University Onlie Admission
Magadh University Distance Education Result 2016
Magadh University Hall Ticket 2016
UP Scholarship 2016
UP Scholarship 2017
UP Scholarship List 2016 - 2017
Online Apply for UP Scholarship 2016 - 2017
IDBI Education Loan for Student
Delhi Government Student Education Loan
British Council Scholarship for abroad student
Jammu & Kashmir Scholarship
20160905mwiqing
ReplyDeletecheap ray ban sunglasses
ugg boots outlet
cheap jerseys wholesale
bottega veneta handbags
cheap nike shoes
ugg outlet
timberland boots
louis vuitton bags
ray ban sunglasses
canada goose outlet
ugg outlet
tory burch outlet
nike air force 1
true religion jeans
coach purses
abercrombie and fitch
polo outlet
longchamp handbags
michael kors outlet online
michael kors outlet
cheap ugg sale
cheap oakley sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses
birkenstocks
moncler coats
michael kors outlet online
true religion jeans
christian louboutin
kobe shoes
coach factory outlet
uggs outlet
mcm outlet
polo ralph lauren
nike free flyknit
nike roshe run women
gucci outlet
nike free flyknit 4.0
happy new year 2017
ReplyDeletehappy new year
happy new year 2017 sms
happy new year 2017 shayari
happy new year 2017 quotes
happy new year 2017 images
happy new year 2017 wishes
happy new year 2017 wallpapers
happy new year 2017 pics
happy new year 2017 cliparts
happy new year 2017 gif
happy new year 2017 poems
happy diwali
happy diwali 2016 sms
happy diwali 2016 wishes
happy diwali 2016
happy diwali 2016 quotes
happy diwali 2016 images
happy diwali 2016 messages
happy diwali 2016 greetings
happy diwali 2016 cards
ctet sept 2016 result
ctet sept 2016 answer key
ctet sept 2016 answer key
ctet sept 2016 result
latest govt jobs 2016
happy navratri 2016
happy navratri 2016 sms
Happy New Year 2017 SMS
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year 2017 Wishes
Happy New Year 2017 Greeting Cards
Happy New Year 2017 Messages
Happy New Year 2017 Shayari
Happy New Year 2017 Email Template
Happy New Year 2017 Horoscope
Happy New Year 2017 HD Wallpaper
Happy New Year 2017 Images
Happy New Year 2017 Qoutes
Happy New Year 2017 Calendar
Happy New Year 2017 Vector
Happy New Year 2017 Clipart
Happy New Year 2017 whatsapp Images & Messages
Cbse 10th 12th Result 2017
ReplyDeleteEpf
Online Pan Card
Pnb net banking
Sol du
Happy new year 2017
online metro card recharge
Bank of india
ReplyDeleteHow to Activate bank of india internet baqnking online
Bank Of India Online Mobile Banking
Apply Online BOI Vehicle Loan
BAnk of India Credit Card
Apply Online jobs In Bank of India
Prdhan mantri jan Dhan Yojana Scheme
Bank of india Agri Clinic Loan
Bank Of India Education Loaqn
Bank Of India Star Smart Home Loan
Bank of india Loan Against Property
michael kors handbags
ReplyDeleteunder armour shoes
lions jerseys
michael kors outlet store
new england patriots jerseys
nike huarache
ralph lauren
nike trainers uk
ralph lauren outlet
oklahoma city thunder
EPFO
ReplyDeleteepf Balance
epf online Claim
epf account balance check
epf account login
UAN Activation
epf status
Glasses style selection not only stylish points, beautify the face compared to plastic?
ReplyDeleteCat eyes: captivating and enchanting
The describe also has the retro blowing wind, the big face girls may consider. Of course , the cat's eye is divided into a number of types, Fake Ray Ban Sunglasses
like a cat framework tilt at both finishes of the ears, the girls can pick more exaggerated Cheap Ray Bans UK
shapes in order to dress up your.
Transparent border associated with brown Cheap Ray Ban Glasses
cat eye glasses to Cheap Ray Ban Glasses
make the overall shape more contemporary shine.
Of course , want to warp a little, you can choose to point the ends of a a bit more, in the picture on the lip area, more sexy charm.
GARBAGE Eyewear ($58)
Shield Glasses: Ray Bans UK
mysterious and cool
From the beginning of 2000 Ray Ban Outlet
and the lso are Shield sunglasses, as if the protective mask. This year the most popular streamline on the border with different create a mysterious and neat feeling.
Light coffee looking glass is ray bans sunglasses
more suitable for girls having fair skin.
Metal shape has a sense of potential.
Givenchy ($325)
Color accessories: avant-garde and stylish
Not all sun shades have to be dark and secret, and colored lenses assist you to see more of the world! Together with the wear of the color considerably more beautiful.
Even if it is all of black wear, Oakley sunglasses wholesale
with a tinted glasses can increase the system highlights.
ASOS ($19)
Light frame: glamorous and elegant
Exquisite white, even a simple light sunglasses, also can let you get to be the goddess immediately turned shiny and brave.
If the shape is white + Black color lenses, then more neat.
To be avant-garde and stylish, should not conservative.
Raen ($105)
Living space age: the future
Remember some time since, some time back Rihanna endorsement of the Dior sunglasses?! This is the trend with the season, have a heart to get started!
Whether it is a laser as well as black, wearing the shape is overwhelming trend.
Gold Sun shades for bloggers this system LOOK out of the limelight.
coach factory outlet online
ReplyDeletered bottom
valentino outlet
michael kors outlet store
fake rolex watches
christian louboutin outlet
oakley sunglasses wholesale
adidas nmd r1
cheap oakley sunglasses
timberland boots outle
20170523yuanyuan
Avriq
ReplyDeleteavriq BBB
avriq business services
avriq USA
This Content is Great in terms of research and I must appreciate your effort to highlight these points so every one should be aware of it.
ReplyDelete||Happy Wheels Demo Game at happywheels.in||
||Play happy wheels game free at classic happy wheels game||
||Play online Happy Wheels demo game at happy wheels||
||Enjoy Fireboy and watergirl game online at fireboywatergirl.co||
Verry Good... thank for infomation !!
ReplyDeleteObat Herbal Amandel Paling Ampuh
manfaat buah mengkudu untuk amandel
obat penglihatan kurang jelas
Obat Herbal Tbc Usus
birkin bag
ReplyDeleteyeezy
paul george shoes
air jordan
off white hoodie
bape hoodie
air jordan
kyrie shoes
supreme shirt
steph curry shoes
lebron 18
ReplyDeletekevin durant shoes
kyrie 7
off white
yeezy boost 350 v2
off white hoodie
hermes bags
moncler jackets
nike lebron 16
bape
Full Report replica designer bags you could look here gucci replica bags site here https://www.dolabuy.ru/
ReplyDelete