twizzler

     Twizzler is a frizzle chick.  A frizzle chicken has feathers that curl outward.  They can come in many types - it is not actually a breed but a type of feather.  It is best to breed one with a smooth feathered bird to get durable feathers.  Twizzler is possibly a silkie frizzle, also known as a sizzle.  At nine weeks old it is starting to look like a male and is pushing out a feather duster tail.  I really, really want to keep him so I hope he is gentle and gets along with Gregory Peck.  

     The egg came from a breeder in town and was hatched by L'il Lulu, the silkie mama pictured below on her chicks.  She hatched three others of different breeds, including one that will lay blue eggs. 

      I don't let my hens hatch their own eggs because I like purebred heritage breeds.  My rooster doesn't match anyone but his sister so sometimes I buy eggs from 4-H kids or breeders who raise chickens for show, and put them under my broody hens.  
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     My chickens live about 12 years.  My oldest was 13.  I never get to go away because I have to look after them.  Everything wants to kill a chicken.  I've been wanting to get out of the poultry business and be free so I planned to have no more young ones but now with these new chicks I won't be free until I'm 62.  It was a moment of weakness that has caused 12 more years of bondage.  But I love all 14 in my flock and they make the yard so lively and beautiful.  They enjoy their little lives - dust bathing, digging for bugs, lounging in the sun, sipping water - whatever they do they do it whole -heartedly.  They live in the moment.  So I'll try to keep them safe and see them through.