The Joy of Naming Our Chickens
One of the best parts of getting a new pet is picking out its name. We spend hours bouncing ideas off of each other until a name clicks, and we just can't let it go. Our dogs, Moira and Clementine (Clemmy) started a new trend for us of naming our pets after comedies, a trend that we've now carried over to the chickens.
We have four different flocks that live in separate runs and coops. A lot of people keep larger flock sizes in the same housing, but keeping smaller groups together allows us to limit our risk of losing them all to a predator or sickness. Plus, it meant we could have four different naming themes.
Flock One: The Bad Moms
This is our smallest flock, the hens we got for ourselves before we decided to expand to feed others. Amy, Kiki, and Carla don't care what you think of their parenting style. They scratch all day looking for yummy bugs, and if you're lucky, they'll take a break to lay an egg. Unapologetically themselves, we love our Bad Moms.
The Bad Moms
Amy is in the front, the leader of the pack. Carla is to the left, always ready to stand up for her girls, and Kiki is a bit insecure and follows Carla like a shadow.
Flock Two: Pawnee Parks Department
In hopes that we would end up with a nice rooster, this flock’s Parks and Rec theme was chosen so we could have a Ron Swanson. Turns out, we have two roosters in this flock who somehow get along, giving us not only a Ron but also a Duke Silver. This flock lives up to their Parks and Rec name. They're goofy yet committed to whatever task is at hand. They come together as a group but have their little cliques. Meet a few of the cast members: Donna, April, Ron, Duke Silver, and Ann.
Donna
Our favorite chicken, Donna always runs to the door to be held anytime we enter. Her name was chosen because she’s often found away from the flock sun or dirt bathing, in true Treat Yo Self fashion.
Flock Three: Dunder Mifflin Paper Company
There is no greater diversity of hilarious personalities than those in The Office, which is perfectly fitting for Flock Three. These hens are a riot. Constantly inventing games, picking on each other, chattering instead of focusing on “work.” Meet a few of the stars: Dwight, Michael, Phyllis, and Angie.
Dwight
Often found doing Parkour, Dwight is the most vocal of this group. He can often be found with Michael, playing assistant to the manager, and patrolling the run.
Flock Four: Barden University
As the most vocal of our chickens, our Chocolate Orpingtons were rightfully named after Pitch Perfect characters. Undoubtedly our favorite comedy movie series, we had to have an Acapella flock. These hens move as a single unit, unlikely to divide into cliques, and are always singing something. The Chocolates are super busy and hard to photograph, so today we’re highlighting the star:
Lazy Susan
It seems wrong to name a chicken “Fat Amy” after the character. If you’re a Pitch Perfect fan, you’ll know the scene that lead us to the name Lazy Susan. She’s a fun yet lazy gal.
While our chickens are livestock, they are also part of our farm family. They work hard to produce us eggs for our table and yours. Spending time with them to learn their unique physical traits and personalities is important, not just to give us joy but also so we know if something is wrong with one of them. We know Donna will run up to us to be held every time we enter the run, and if she doesn't, then she needs a quick inspection.
Knowing each of the animals on our property is critical in keeping them healthy and safe, and names help us maintain that crucial responsibility.