We've been in denial for some time. Big Red has always been much bigger than our other 3 chickens. Big Red has a much bigger comb than our other 3 chickens. Even when Big Red sprouted fancy green feathers in his tail, we consulted internet photos & decided that he/she could still be a hen. But on a beautiful sunny morning last week at about 6:30am, we just couldn't ignore the LOUD "cock-a-doodle-doo" from our backyard.
The next morning Big Red must have really been proud of his new skill as he crowed LOUDLY about 20 times. Now while I know that hens are allowed in Belmont, I'm not 100% sure that our chicken coop meets all regulations regarding distance from property line, etc. and I don't want to find out. I ran outside in my PJS, waving a broom at Big Red, trying to get him to shut up. No luck. Lukas comes out, hands me some lettuce & says "maybe this will work". Um. yes. Big Red happily & quietly started pecking at the lettuce. Much more effective than a crazy lady waving a broom around.
So Big Red had to go. Marieke & I brought him back to the farm store in Half Moon Bay where we got him (where the chicks are supposedly 96% hens). He'll go to a farm (or a farmer's plate.) I was actually quite sad dropping him off & a bit depressed that day - he was a great, friendly chicken for us. I'll miss him. And now Rob (who picked him out) doesn't have a shot at the "first egg" contest.......
Marieke says good bye to Big Red in his new temporary home.
