Two months ago we bought three hens from a family in South Sacramento through a Craigslist ad. In addition to us buying their three hens, they agreed to take our two “surprise” roosters Nancy Grace and Paula Deen. An uncle had just acquired a five acre parcel and wanted some roosters. So our roosters went to live in Elk Grove and Lucy, Ethel and Aunt Bee came to live with us.
When we got them home we noticed that Aunt Bee had a limp and her legs looked scaly. I did some research online and realized that she had scaly leg mites, a condition that can be difficult to irradicate and can spread to other birds. So I called the Ahmed family and told them we would need to return her. I hated to do it. She was a beautiful, large Splash Orpington. Reluctantly, I took her back to the little house and the very nice middle eastern family we bought her from.
Most of our communication with the Ahmed’s had been through the son, a college student whom I will call “T” because I can’t begin to spell his name. I was impressed that “T” had researched scaly leg mites and had a treatment plan in mind by the time I got to their house. He tried to give back the $15 we paid for the chicken but I refused it. I felt I should have looked the birds over more carefully before bringing them home. “T” told me that he was going to try to cure the mites and, if he was successful, he would call me to come back and get her. I honestly thought that was the last we would hear from them.
Life moved on, I bought Oprah and Gayle, and the two chicks currently residing in our bathroom. Much to our surprise, we got a call last night from “T” telling us that he had treated the chicken and her legs were now healed and she was ready to be picked up!
Wow, we have eight chickens now, not the four we had back then. Michael told “T” that we might just stick with the hens we have and not pick her up, but it bothered us both. This morning I called “T.” He told me how he had treated her legs and that she was fine now except she still has a slight limp. I felt strongly that I needed to go get Aunt Bee and bring her home. To do anything else would have been disrespectful. So that is what I did.
The mom and dad were home when I arrived to pick the hen up. The mom does not speak English but I had a nice conversation with the Mr. Ahmed Sr. He said his son told him last night that we might not pick the bird up. He said he told “T” that if we did not want the chicken back, he was to call and get our address and drive to our house and return the $15.
He felt bad that his son had forgotten to tell us about the problem with the chicken’s legs when we bought her. I was moved by their integrity and kindness. I was disappointed with myself for thinking they wouldn’t follow through. But, I was happy to have Aunt Bee back, limp and all. Here she is with Mr. Ahmed before getting loaded in the car.
Here she is back home with us again just before being introduced to the “other girls.”
Well my blog is about everyday miracles and mayhem so here is where the latter comes in…
We took Aunt Bee out to the chicken yard for introductions. She tried to say “hello” to Oprah.
They started clucking at each other through the fence and then the fight was on!
Notice Donovan. Not only does he like to start fights, but apparently he likes to watch them too. Nothing like a good chick fight!
They went at each other through the fence until Michael decided to put Aunt Bee in the yard and let them resolve it once and for all. I think this is a felony in most states.
Oprah came out fighting…
Feathers were flying…
Aunt Bee bitchslapped Oprah…
And that was it. They waddled off together to hunt bugs with the other girls.
Mayhem averted.
At sunset Aunt Bee entered the hen house and took a position on the top roost, usually reserved for the hens at the top of the pecking order. Judge Judy can’t believe the nerve of her! But, everyone settled in for a quiet night.
Now for the miracle……………
Drum roll please……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Aunt Bee laid a huge pink egg! Wait till Amanda finds out!
Welcome Home Aunt Bee.
Mary says
Dee aka bee
Pink eggs…just in time for Easter! Great story!
Saturday, March 14, 2009 – 07:29 AM (Originally posted by Dee)
Mary says
Pete
What a great story! So glad that it all worked out and that Aunt Bee is happily nesting in her new digs!
Saturday, March 14, 2009 – 05:58 AM (Originally posted by Pete)
Mary says
Cindy
Welcome Home, Aunt Bee! I am so glad you found some downright honest people to deal with… keep that in mind for future use!!
ROFLMAO!!
Bitchslappin hens!! You have it all!! and Donovan, he probably just can’t get over himself what a fight looked like!!!
Saturday, March 14, 2009 – 04:28 AM (Originally posted by CindyP)
Mary says
Y_Y_Y_E_E_E_S_S_S_!_!_!
YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~MANDY~
Friday, March 13, 2009 – 10:32 PM (Originally posted by Mandy)