Humbled in the Presence of the Great Chicken Mother

I was taken today to the home of the Great Chicken Mother, Bridget. She is my hero.

Bridget is an acquantance of my in-laws and she also, swoon, raises prize winning show chickens. I am SO in awe of her. She is to my world what the Yarn Harlot is to the knitting world. Sorry, but only the knitters will get that reference.

She and her husband have an almond orchard and on the edge of the orchard sit 4 BIG structures. Big, as in bigger than my brother C's house. Each building has a metal roof, individual "pens" for her various varieties, automatic waterers for each "apartment", nesting boxes in each section, lighting, perches, flat screen tv's...just kidding on that feature, but heavens, it is the chicken resort.

I am truly in awe of her and know that I have so much to learn. Much to the dismay of Farmer Jeff, Bridget told me of the weekly chicken auction that takes place in Modesto on Monday's. That is where I can go to buy very unusual chickens that are just not the best in the breed. I really don't care about getting the very best since I am not showing them, but I sure as heck would like to get some of the varieties she has.

Bridget is in love with Faverolles, shown in the picture above (taken by Kyle Yacobucci, on feathersite.com) but is not limited to just these guys. Farmer Jeff was kind enough to take some pictures of us and I will post them when we get back home.

During this happy yet short meeting, we learned more about chickens and their care. Eastside Farm will be adding some new girls and sprucing up their living/lounging quarters in the spring. I can hardly WAIT!!!