Falling for a Pet Chicken with a Heart of Gold
Have you ever had a feathery friend who burrowed its way deep into your heart? That one special hen or rooster who never failed to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day? Well, I had the privilege of meeting such a remarkable chicken named Chet. Let me tell you the delightful and slightly unpredictable story behind The HEN PICKED Box logo.
A Fowl Encounter: Swedish Flower Hen Hatching Eggs
In the lively days of April 2021, I embarked on a poultry adventure by purchasing some Swedish Flower Hen hatching eggs from a breeder. Out of those eggs, three adorable chicks emerged from their cozy shells. Unfortunately, one chick didn't make it, but the two black millies thrived. Little did I know that one of them would turn out to be quite a character!
Chet, the Unlikely Superstar
As the days went by, Chet, with his developing comb and wattles, began to display the classic signs of a rooster. But here's the twist: he turned out to be the sweetest and most affectionate bird you could ever imagine. Chet would eagerly fly to the edge of his enclosure every day, chattering away as if telling me about his adventures throughout the night. While his sibling, Millie, was friendly, Chet was the true social butterfly of the bunch.
Eventually the boys needed moved to their boy barn and Chet went with them. He always kind of kept to himself and the younger ones would follow him around. Chet would come right to the shop and fall asleep in the doorway. He would bring the boys in and they would poop all over the shop and the hubby was not impressed. Wherever I was, Chet would try to follow. Even at my desk. ( Look familiar?)
Feathered Friends and Puzzling Crows
Week after week, Chet's bond with me grew stronger, and he started to resemble a rooster more and more. He even began to crow! But there was something puzzling about him. Despite the crowing and the occasional bossy behavior, Chet didn't quite fit the typical profile of a rooster. He had hen feathers, no spur buds, and was rather petite. Perplexed, I turned to a Swedish Flower Hen group on Facebook for some answers.
An Unexpected Revelation: Chet's Gender Mystery Unveiled
With the help of an experienced breeder and a DNA test for poultry, I finally uncovered the truth about Chet's gender. Drumroll, please! Chet, the little troublemaker who crowed like a rooster, was actually a pullet—a female! Talk about a surprise twist in our feathered tale!
Chet's Bittersweet Journey: Love, Loss, and Legacy
Chet's mischievous and lovable personality endeared her to everyone who knew her. But life has its ups and downs, and our story took a heartbreaking turn. One fateful day, Chet experienced a vent prolapse, which led to her declining health. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't save her, and I lost her far too soon. The pain of losing that silly little bird who had become such an important part of my life was overwhelming. My world felt like it was crumbling apart, and I couldn't hold back the tears.
Honoring Chet's Memory: The HEN PICKED Box Logo
In the midst of my grief, I knew I had to find a way to keep Chet's memory alive. And thus, The HEN PICKED Box was born—a heartfelt tribute to the chicken who captured my heart and never let go. This special box represents the love, joy, and quirkiness that Chet brought into my life. She will forever hold a special place in my heart, and her mischievous spirit will live on through The HEN PICKED Box logo.
A Feathered Legacy to Remember
Chet, my dear feathered friend, left an indelible mark on my life. Her unique personality, surprising gender revelation, and bittersweet journey have shaped The HEN PICKED Box into more than just a logo—it's a symbol of love, resilience, and the beautiful bond between humans and their feathered companions.
