Say Hello to King Bertie

Some of you may remember Gladys, my rooster. Well it's taken me a while to be ready to replace him. We've had baby chicks that have turned out to be boys, but I've given them away as I didn't get attached to them. It was going to take a special boy to replace Gladys!

But, from day one, a wee Araucana was incredibly tame, coming right up and eating out of my hand, following me into the chicken house for extra treats and letting me pick him up whenever, pretty much jumping onto my hand. It was a keeper whatever sex he was - and he was a he! ( in fact it would seem that all three of the araucanas are actually boys, so no blue eggs for me, but that's another story...) 

So, he was to be named and King Bertie just seemed to fit him beautifully. He's a totally gorgeous boy. Still fairly young, he just started crowing a few weeks ago - 5am on the dot every morning then numerous times throughout the day. I'm not sure if he'll ever have a hand in producing fertile eggs, though, as he is a total wimp around the girls. But I don't mind. It's lovely to have him around, he still allows me to stroke him and pick him up for cuddles, he just curls up in my arms. And odd as it may seem, I like hearing him crow at 5am! I think "ah, that's my boy!"

King Bertie

This is Elizabeth, she hatched him so I suppose she's his mum

Elizabeth is an incredibly pretty Silver Campine. She was a first time mum this year and has been probably the best mum, ever.

And Bob! I know he looks like he's licking his chops in anticipation of a chicken dinner - but he's not honest - he doesn't have a mean bone in his body.