Accidental Free Range

So, we bought a big screen tent to “blow the stink off” the chickens while we are in the yard. Occasionally it is required to slip indoors for a moment. Moments vary in length and chickens are naturally curious little things. Today we had accidental free range chickens. I came outside with my handy dandy paint brush all ready to set to task on the picket fence and was greeted by some very happy chickens wondering the back yard. I apparently missed securing one lower edge of the tent (we have re bar laying on the edges to prevent exactly this type of thing).

They stuck together, the roosters keeping everyone together and if someone got left behind it was a flapping run to rejoin the flock.

As with all things I try to remain calm and simply enjoy the moment; nothing bad really happened and they were so incredibly content pecking their way around new territory. After grabbing the camera and a couple of ripe tomatoes off the vine to lure them back into the tent, I snapped some happy chicken photos:

Little escape artists

Jimmy the Eyebrow (leader of the blond mob) keeping a very close eye on me. He is mean but a good protector. It’s the gorgeous wattles…

Keeping watch, good Jimmy.

The blonds, the stick together with Goldie and Buff checking them out.

Perfect day for a stroll apparently.

Friends, also my best 2 cuddles.

Phantom(will be one of 2 breeders kept) hanging with his 2 beauties

Watcha’ doin’?

Yes, very curious Miss Bella

Friends share

Goldie and Phantom tend to hang together

Tomatoes tossed into the tent gets everyone back safe and sound.

Now it is back to painting, if everyone will be satisfied in the tent. I hear Jimmy crowing up a storm so back outside it is. He keeps me in line too…until the stew pot calls his name.