Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken......

Ok, so I haven't got them yet but I'm still trying to prepare for them.
I keep changing my mind as to which type we should get. Bantams, Light fowl or Large fowl.
The smaller they are the more you can keep ;)
We (my eldest son, my mum and myself - whilst pregnant) attended a chicken keeping course. It was actually fun! My son got to hold a chick and stroke and feed the birds. He still talks about it now!
And then there's housing. As I've said before I'd like an Eglu. But I've realised that I'd have to get a cube as I live somwhere that an eglu 'classic' could quite easily be pinched.
So one day maybe.
Wooden houses have started to look more attainable right now. Doodlehouses are top of the list as they can be completely dismantled so that any red mite infestations can be eradicated. Apparently, it's very common and not very nice for the birds.
Anyway, the breeds that I'm thinking of at the moment are Araucana, Sultan and Silkie
All are pure breeds rather than hybrids. Which mean they will not lay as many eggs but should live longer and lay for longer. I've realised that I'm looking for pet chickens. Chickens that will be fun for the children, that will give us a few eggs and are part of the family. Rather than prolific egg layers as we don't eat that many eggs!

So who is your perfect birth partner?

It gets thrown up in the news every so often doesn't it? Should fathers be at births or not?
For my first, there was no question. As far as I was concerned my husband had to be at the birth. He did well too and I'm glad he was there to help me with this strange new experience.
For the second, I gave him the option of not being there. I knew how traumatic it was for him. I knew what to expect, and that I could cope with what was to come.
Don't get me wrong. I did want him there but I realised that it should be his choice. I can't imagine what it's like to witness someone you love give birth. I can't watch strangers on the television! Without any drugs too!! No thanks ;)
Anyway, If you read my birth story you know that he did attend the birth of our second child, and was the PERFECT birth partner. I can't imagine giving birth without him.
It's his voice I hear through the pain. The one that coaches me and supports me. Just thinking about it makes me go all gooey.
So who is your perfect birth partner?