Chooks and Quail

We were very fond of the chooks we had in Auckland.  Starting with Brown Shavers liberated from a fowl factory, we moved on to Chinese Silkies (both black and gold), and even an English game bird.

Brown Shavers

All the hens were confined to an area of the back garden, from which they occasionally made daring escapes.  They kept us supplied with eggs, and provided pleasant companionship.  One hen would happily ride around on Stephen’s shoulder.

By the time we were preparing to leave Auckland we had just one chook left, and I sent a message out among our friends to see if someone would offer this geriatric chook a retirement home.  Marion from Coromandel generously offered sanctuary on her small farm and we duly drove down to install Henny Penny in her new abode.

As we sat and sipped tea and chatted I admired the flock of quail which wandered across the driveway, and was taken aback to be told they were considered an annoying pest.  Marion said she often shot them, and indeed had a freezer full of the little corpses if we’d like some.  We hastily declined this offer, preferring to enjoy the sight of live quail.

After we’d settled in Christchurch we received a postcard from Henny Penny to say that she was happy in retirement and had even been enjoying some attention from the resident rooster.  She made no mention of any quail companions.

I’m fond of birds of any feather
and wish them harmony together