Poppy's Peanut Butter, Chicken Treats for Chickens

Since starting Kelly's Country Squawk a couple years ago, I have been blessed to connect with so many readers who are curious about chickens. I've loved answering questions from people who are considering starting their own flock. Since egg prices have increased, more and more people have been interested in raising chickens so they can "make" their own eggs. Since March, I've hatched 40 chicks to share with friends who are ready to start having chickens and building their coop. I've also been able to share roosters with friends who were having predator problems around their free rangers. Through Kelly's Country Squawk, I've found a community of chicken lovers and it's been a joy to be able to "chicken talk" with my readers. Thank you for sharing your stories and questions with me!

One of my favorite "chicken swap" stories happened this past spring. A friend of mine had three chickens in her coop, but unfortunately some feral cats ate two of the three hens. Chickens thrive in flocks, they do not like being alone. My friend was quite heartbroken over her loss and decided to give me her remaining chicken, named Poppy, so she could be surrounded by a new flock.

Poppy

Poppy was quite shy at first, being the new bird of the flock surrounded by 60 other chickens in an unfamiliar coop. She wouldn't free range with the other hens, and when it came time to eat treats, she would hide so she wouldn't get trampled on by my other greedy girls who don't like to share. I felt like she was mourning the loss of her first flock. The only time I saw Poppy following the flock was when her new boyfriend, Maui, was standing close by. She felt safe by his burly, curly tail feathers.

My friend came up to me at work several weeks ago to check on Poppy, she missed her sweet hen so much. She told me she forgot to give me Poppy's Peanut Butter Jar, which was exclusively used for Poppy. No one else in her house was allowed to touch this hen's private peanut butter reserve! I had never heard of giving chickens peanut butter before, so I was looking forward to seeing how they would respond to the new treat. Scooping a huge wad of peanut butter on the spoon, I went out hoping I could find Poppy since all the girls were free ranging.

But, Poppy found me first.

Poppy sharing her spoonful of peanut butter.

She smelled the peanut butter as soon as I walked out the door. Instead of hiding from me, she walked fearlessly to the spoon and started to eat her peanut butter as fast as she could. None of the other 60 chickens would touch Poppy's Peanut Butter, it's like an unspoken code was given...this was Poppy's treat! Peanut butter brought home back to Poppy.

Since then, Poppy has officially joined her new flock and now she gladly shares her peanut butter with her sisters. I guess food brings both people and hens together. Now Poppy and I are BFFs, no matter where she is, she comes to find me whenever she sniffs her peanut butter.

My next book signing is taking place at Brighton, Michigan this coming Saturday, June 7 at 10:00-1:00. Several other independently published local authors will also be selling and signing their books at this event. The Brighton Farmer's Market is taking place next to the Author's Alley at the same time, so there will be tons of things to eat and goodies to buy. The forecast is supposed to be perfect on Saturday, so please stop by and enjoy this event. I'll have a special art project for kids to work on at my table, and copies of Painter of the Sky will be available for purchase.

Thanks for reading my Country Squawk,

Kelly