In China I think that it’s actually the year of the tiger, but on my little farm, I have proclaimed 2010 as the year of the chicken. Why? Because, this is the year that I’m going to put my little flock to work for me. Movable chicken runs, free range, organic eggs; these words are now a part of my vocabulary. No more emptying my bank account at the feed store. I’m not set up yet, but I’m heading in that direction. I’ve relocated a rooster and five hens to the garden where their assignment is to pull grass, loosen up the soil and do a little fertilizing. So far, so good. As a matter of fact, there’s no grass left.

I scatter their feed where I want the ground loosened up and they go to work.

 

They’ve even started laying again.

Matilda is in charge of hunting eggs.

This spring, when it’s time to plant I’ll give this little group of chickens another job.

Friday is my birthday. I was born in 1957, so do the math. It just so happens that in China, 1957 was…you guessed it…the year of the chicken.