Friday, August 6, 2010

Someday I'll Have Real Chickens!


Someday, I will have a chicken coop complete with real chickens and fresh eggs every day!

But for now, I'll have to be content with my pretend chickens! I'm very picky about the chickens I let in my house! Not just any chicken will make me happy, they must look like real ones!
Above is the very first one in my collection. She is a beauty! Straight from Portugal!

Another version of my first chicken, this one is also my pride and joy.

I found this little one on Ebay. She is the "mini me" of my first chicken.

This one does double duty as a soup tureen.

Another chicken tureen. All the chickens above are from the Bordallo Pinheiro factory in Portugal.

Chickens even have a way of finding their way into my tablescapes, like this vintage pair.


This pair managed to find a place on my Easter table!

I have collected quite a few of these little chick egg cups.

Another little vintage pair, probably from the 40's.

This pair is a reproduction made in China. I like them for their coloring.

They remind me of this real chicken. Isn't she adorable?

I even have a rooster lamp in the guest bedroom. I made this from a vintage rooster!

I've also collected botanicals of chickens like the one above of Light Brahmas.

White Leghorns

Buff Plymouth Rocks

Buff Minorcas

We bought this Gail Packer print years ago for the roosters parading at the bottom.
It also depicts a farmhouse in the wine country!

Here is our chicken coop, turned tool shed in the wine country.
Our neighbors, Ron and Ed have 37 chickens and want to give us a few. Oh, I'm tempted! Ron even said he would take care of them while were in the City.
All I have to do is convert the tool shed back to a chicken coop!

I just want a couple of hens, maybe three altogether. No rooster, thank you...

The problem is, I want the chicken coop to look like this one. This chicken coop belongs to Bunny Williams and was modeled after a pagoda. It is a work of art!

Heather Bullard has the most darling coop also. Thanks Christie at Three Pixie Lane for bringing this one to my attention! Isn't it just fabulous!?

Maybe a chicken run like this one would work. We could just build it off the side of the coop. It has to be very secure because there are a lot of predators in Asti. Ron and Ed have twice lost their chickens to either a fox or coyotes.

Of course, I would want to decorate the inside! It would look something like this--in my dreams!
Someday.....

All the real chickens above belong to Cathleen from Vintage Home Lifestyle

I'm joining Barb at Bella Vista for her special Rooster Party!
If you love roosters and chickens like I do, then you need visit Barb!

I'm also joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.
And Laurie at Bargain Hunting With Laurie for Favorite Things Saturday.
Thank you Barb, Cindy and Laurie for hosting these fun blog parties.
Pin It!

60 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love all of your roosters and chickens. I have a few similar ones. If you have time come visit my rooster party post.

It would be wonderful to have real chickens. Fresh eggs everyday! One of our old neighbors had chickens and we always were lucky enough to receive some eggs from them.

Could you tell me where you got your 3 tiered fruit/veggie basket? I have been looking for one of those forever!
Penny

Fatima said...

WONDERFUL!!!!!!! ALL ROOSTERS ARE SPECTACULAR. Very, very nice.Thanks,Fatima-Scrapart.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Delores, you have some beauties. I love the tureens and the colors on the real one with the black tipped feathers is so pretty.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Beautiful chickens! Both the real and the ceramic!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

So beautiful! You have such a wonderful collection...I love them all!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Delores,

My Mom used to have a chicken coop with nice exotic chicken; it was a joy. She no longer can do this due to her kidney dialysis 3 x a week. But she loved them and they really turn into pets, knowing you and giving you joy.
By the way, thanks for your comment and these are not pens but pencils...
Impressed about your olive oil too! Quite a talented lady you are, together with a helping husband!
Enjoy your unique collection of roosters and I agree; don't get a real rooster! They can fight very mean. Too bad those predators but HOW can you protect from them?!

Sunny greetings from Georgia

MariettesBacktoBasics

jninecostumes said...

Love all the chickens together. It really proves that groupings of like objects make a stronger statement and bolder impact.

Komali Nunna said...

Love all your chickens. I have a collection of ceramic chickens but I want real chickens too. We get coyotes in my yard. My husband thinks it is not safe for the chickens. Hope someday I will get my wihsh.

Joan said...

I especially like the four chicken prints. What a grouping!

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

You have a great collection of roosters and I'm loving the prints. I know this is all about the roosters, but I love your table with the long bench. Would love to see a full picture...it looks huge.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

I had to pop back in for another peek;)...I love your roosters!

I also wanted to tell you I finally found the rattan wrapped glasses...YAY!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Blondie's Journal said...

You definitely have a nice collection of chickens and roosters. Very nice. I like your idea of a coop, it would be so nice to have fresh eggs every day! Raising chickens has become a popular thing lately as we become more particular about where our food comes from. I say Go For It!!

xoxo
Jane

Entertaining Women said...

You're a better woman than I...I have to admit, I've never ever had a single desire for real chickens. The coops are quite charming to see, though, and I love your collection of chickens...Great change of pace for an Easter tablescape...I liked it alot. Thank you for your kind comments on my post. Cherry Kay

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

I want real chickens too...we don't have the room though. Your "fake" roosters are wonderful ! but wouldn't it be nice to go out and get fresh eggs? :))

Becky K. said...

Such a beautiful post!

We have real chickens and find them to be fairly easy to care for as well as very entertaining to watch.

Becky K.
Hospitality Lane

Jeanette said...

Just beautiful chickens and roosters. We have hens (no roosters) and the eggs are so much bigger, and brighter than store bought eggs.

Theresa said...

What a gorgeous collection of roosters in all sizes and designs! Love them all! Where oh where did you find the chicken wire placemats? LOVE them!

Have a blessed day and I hope you get your chicken coop ready for some chicks!

Marlis said...

fabulous collection. I too wanted a chicken coop so we promptly moved into the city. No chance of one here, but i keep dreaming.. I love the prints and the lamp that you made. It's all really very nice. Love your home too.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Delores...

My friend, you DO have the sweetest collection of hens and roosters!!! I just adore the very real...life-like...roosters! Ohhh...and the rooster tureens are fabulous!!! I think I need one...hehe! My friend, your home is just gorgeous and I always...always love coming for a visit! Loved seeing all the beautiful rooster-scapes and vignettes!!! You always make the prettiest tables!!! Sooo inspiring...I hope to grow up and be just like you someday, my friend! wink! Seriously though...you are such a creative and talented lady! Thank you for sharing all of your pretties with us today...you have a GRAND collection!!! Hehe...also had fun looking at all the designer chicken coops...ohhh, wouldn't it be fun to have one like one of those?

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Debbie said...

What a fun little post. I love chickens too, especially the spotted black and white ones. Someday, when I get a little place in the country, (my big dream) - I will have chickens and although I like roosters, I don't want any real ones. When I was a youngun I was chased by one, that was enough for me. Happy Day to you!

Shellbelle said...

I love all your chickens and your vision for a very cool chicken coop. You need to take a vacation to Fitzgerald, Georgia. In the 1960s, the state decided to introduce chickens into the wild. They only settled in Fitzgerald and now they are all over the place. Gorgeous Burmese Chickens. Some people love 'em and some hate 'em, but everyone love the Annual Wild Chicken Festival!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Delores, You have a beautiful collection of roosters! I can only imagine how you would decorate your chicken coop. I know it would be wonderful! xo, Sherry

Christie said...

Check out Heather Bullard's chicken coop at
http://www.heatherbullard.typepad.com/heather_bullard_collectio/2010/03/our-chicken-coop.html/.

It is amazing! I want some chickens, too...fresh eggs are the BEST, but my husband has drawn the line at my honey bees! I lOVE Heather Bullard's coop! Your displays are beautiful, as always! three pixie lane

vignette design said...

Thanks Christie,
I remember seeing Heather Bullard's chicken coop before, but couldn't remember where I saw it when I wrote this post. Thank for pointing it out to me. I added a picture of her coop to my post.

Lynn-Teacupstitches said...

I really love your "taste" in collecting roosters! Portugal has the prettiest handpainted pieces!
The print of the Brahmas with the fluffy feet really is darling!
Even though I dont need a chicken coop I sure would love to have Heathers in my garden :-)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post!
Hugs and Smiles,
Lynn

Barb said...

Such a lovely collection of roosters and your displays are fabulous!

Thank you for joining and sharing with us. Have fun visiting.

Hugs, Barb ♥

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Thanks for sharing your collection. No roosters here, but I am enjoying all the others.
Have a great weekend.

Rachel said...

What a fabulous collection of chickens! My favorites (hard to pick a favorie, but I did!) are the black and white pair on your dinning table!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Rachel

Nancie Mills Pipgras said...

Oh my. Where did I stash my grandmothers hen-on-the-nest soup tureen. I think it still had the little chick-ladle. You're going to make me tear apart the garage, aren't you!

Unknown said...

Delores, Your house and chickens are gorgeous! We were just up in your area last week. My daughter wants to attend the CIA in St. Helena so we were up there checking out the school, etc. Ate at The Farmhouse and tried to tour their farm, but it was closed to groups that week. I hear their chicken coop at Long Meadow Ranch is fabulous and I REALLY wanted to see it. I had to settle for an August copy of Food & Wine where they did a lovely piece on it.

Thanks for joining Homestead Revival™. I can't wait to hear about your chickens when you get them. I never tire of "the girls".

Anonymous said...

Your house is gorgeous! We had ducks when the kids were small, they were free but my husband had to go buy the fancy "duck shed!" They were a lot of work, getting them into the shed at night so they were safe! xo

xinex said...

What a lovely post! I love your collection. My favorite is the vinatge black and white pair...Christine

ale balanzario said...

Great roster collections, I also love this post, I cant pick one as a favorite. liked them all.
thanks for sharing.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Of course, you would have chickens imported from Portugal. None of those ordinary chickens for you! they are beautiful, and I love the two tureens. That black and white pair on your table are extrodinary. Thank you for linking to Favorite Things Saturday. Have a wonderful weekend. laurie

Sarah said...

Delores, anyone of your beautiful chickens would be welcome to join the flock that lives here. I so enjoyed this beautiful post and was thrilled to see the Gail Packer piece. We have a piece of her work, "Trenton Road Farm House". I was so sad to hear of her passing. Thank you for sharing these photos. What fun to see the chicken coops. ~ Sarah

Lori E said...

The city of Vancouver has recently passed a bylaw allowing chickens in the urban homes. Seriously. No roosters allowed but you can have chickens in the middle of the city as long as you follow the guidelines.
We know this can't end well. Lol.
Your collection is lovely and the black and white ones sure do match the real one.

Lori E said...

Ooops, okay not "in" the urban homes but in their yards.

Keetha Broyles said...

You've got the coop - - - I say GET the chickens!

Loved your Chinese reproduction pair - - - black, white, red - - - just gorgeous.

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Delores!

What a pretty post all about poultry you have! Love them all! The real ones, as well as the unreal ones too!! My hubby and and I have talked about getting some of the real chickens ourselves, so the link to Heather Bullards post about her adorable chicken coop would was also so interesting to see and read about. I'd love to have one just like it!!
Thanks for sharing all your wonderful photos! I always enjoy your posts and seeing your gorgeous home when I visit!!
Hugs, Sherri:)

Irma's Rose Cottage said...

Great Rooster Party!

Irma :)

Unknown said...

I don't know, Kim over at Savvy Southern Style may have you beat. Have you seen all the roosters she's got. I'm beginning to worry about her. LOL

Take care,

Lisa

Privet and Holly said...

Delores, you can
feather your nest
like no other!!!
Love all of these
lovelies; the real,
the statues and
the botanicals!
I grew up with
a chicken and
rooster loving
mom; we had them
in 'lots of our
home's decor! So,
it is so much fun
to seeing them
coming back to
roost ~ the real
deal and the ones
in decor!
xx Suzanne

Willow Decor said...

What an amazing collection. Thanks for sharing one of your passions!
xx-Gina

Kathysue said...

Delores, this is one of my favorite post!! I love all of your chickens and absolutely you need to get some real ones. I have a friend that has real chickens and she has enjoyed them so much. I have been tempted myself. Your collection is so beautiful, it would be hard to pick a favorite. Oooooh I hope you take your neighbors up on their offer!! Just think fresh eggs, how fun!! Happy weekend,Kathysue
PS take a look at my post today!! I am so excited!!! Kathysue

Unknown said...

Wow, You have some very pretty roosters! I really enjoyed my visit!
Happy Rooster Day!
Lorena

for the love of a house said...

I want some real chickens too!!
You have a great collection. My mother had the pair that found their way to your Easter table, and I also have those plates two photos down- I use them for Fall! You always do the prettiest table settings- that's an art!
joan

thank you for the bd wishes!!

J.W. said...

Great collection! I used to have a coop and my girls were wonderful pets. I hope to have another coop in the future. To round out your collection you should find a vintage (the newer ones aren't as nice) copy of "The Standard of Perfection." It has lovely illustrations and gives the show standards for different breeds.

Melissa Miller said...

Your roosters are gorgeous! :)

Nancy's Notes said...

What an incredible collection of roosters, each unique in their own way!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Nancy

24 Corners said...

My brother-in-law and his family are in the process of getting their own chickens and I can't wait! Fresh eggs...yum!

All of your collected chickens are wonderful...the next best thing! xo J~

Tamra said...

I say get that shed restored to it's once amazing glory as a chicken coop!

I love my hens and I love my rooster too! He does crow pretty early sometimes but I'm used to it. And every now and then we let the hens set on a clutch of eggs and the chick are precious!

Nothing beats fresh eggs!

Tracy F. said...

Love all your chickens. I think the black and white ones are my favorites.

From the Old InkWell said...

Delores, love your "rooster" decor! Your dining table with all the pillows around is gorgeous! Love your shed too!

KathyB. said...

I love your roosters. I prefer any roosters in my house also look real, but I am fortunate to have some very fine roosters outside in the chicken coops keeping the hens happy, and my happy hens lay a lot of fresh eggs. My coop does not look anywhere near as cute and fine as the ones you showed though.

Rettabug said...

Fantastic collection of some of the most beautiful FOWL I've ever seen, Delores! You really have some wonderful pieces.

Every time I see that big wooden table of yours I want one just like it. :/ It is magnificent!

Char said...

Hello Delores, I don't know what it is about city chicks that love a great rooster....or in your case, beautiful chickens. I too would love to have a coop with live foul to love and take care of....fresh eggs daily, doesn't that sound so delicious?!
Your table is gorgeous and so inviting. When we visited Italy, I wish I was collecting roosters, but sadly, I was into painted pots.
Lovely collection, have to follow, I don't want to miss a thing, Char

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

I have finally made it to the 'V' blogs for the rooster party this week!! You have a nice collection of roosters! You just can't beat the colors of real roosters!

Simone said...

Totally great! I love it this post!

Callie Brady said...

Love your house chickens. I have a few farm inside animals that brighten my day. The 15 chickens outside keep me smiling.

Timothy said...

Thanks so much for your post! We, too, were inspired by Bunny Williams' "Chicken Pavilion" and Heather Bullard's coop...Today was "opening day" for our Ladies (66 of them + 1 majestic rooster) as they entered the grand aviary (30' wide octagonal pen) and the twin coops (12'x12' each)--one for roosting and the other for laying and feeding. The 12 nesting boxes have doors that open on the opposite side so our 11-year old daughter can harvest the eggs. She sells them to neighbors for $3/dozen and hopes to have college paid for in eggs over the next 7 years!
It has been a tremendous amount of work, and about $15,000, but it is literally a dream come true!

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