Blue

Blue is a one year old blue Orpington. Most people that see roosters think of the Facebook memes showing a terrified child being chased by Satan in a chicken suit with some witty caption. Most people will look at that and comment how terrible it is. “Its not funny”.

“People should watch their kids better”.

“Why would you have an animal like that”?

Et cetera.

I bought Blue from our local tractor supply during the annual Chick Days as a two week old baby along with a group of pullets, (female chicks). We put a lot of time and love into raising our chicks to join our flock.

For a long time I thought he was going to be a perpetual baby. It took an entire year for him to buff up and start to crow. Even after he started crowing he didn’t so much crow as he gargled loudly. You know that funny sound you make when you get bored right before bed so you try to hum or “sing” while gargling your favorite mouth wash? Well, that’s how he sounded. I honestly contemplated taking him to a vet to see if there was something wrong with him.

Orpingtons are naturally known to be docile and mild mannered. I knew that when I bought him as a chick. I had hoped that my little straight run (non sexed chicks) would be a hen but no luck. Deep down the part of me that remembered being that little kid in the Facebook meme was nervous about such a large breed rooster. With three children of my own I couldn’t risk an aggressive animal being on the farm so I resigned myself to the possibility of selling him. I was happily surprised when I walked outside one day to see my daughter, only three at the time, carrying Blue around like a baby. She was supposed to be getting the eggs for the day and I wondered what was taking her so long. Being only three I figured she had probably got distracted so I went to check on her. She was holding him in her arms and he was perfectly content being cuddled.

Now a full grown rooster he is still as sweet as ever. He follows me and my kids around like he’s one of the dogs. He happily snuggles in when he’s held and of course he knows he’s pretty and loves getting his picture taken.

Blue doesn’t just look pretty and have a sweet disposition. He actually helps me to make my products. I know you are probably wondering what a chicken can do. No I did not train him to perform any specific tasks. I guess you could argue he technically doesn’t do anything but still…

I am what most would call a crafter. I love to make cute artistic things with my hands. Being of Native American decent my favorite things to make are things that show my pride in my heritage and ancestral culture. One of those items is painted feather hair clips.

Those that don’t know much about chickens should know that they go through periods of time every year called molting. During this time they loose their old feathers to adjust the density for the changing of the seasons similar to furred animals growing and shedding winter coats. Blue's feathers are the ones I use most. From the size, shape and color Blue’s feathers are always perfect. He even modeled for my disclaimer signs to let customers know that my accessories are cruelty free.

Blue isn’t just an emPawyee of the month, he is the best feathered business partner a crafty girl could ask for.