Hello world!
Despite what you may think, I am actually alive (which is really always a plus when you're living in French Guiana). So, I've returned to the cyber world and will try to keep up with my blogging in 2015 – I almost forgot, happy new year everybody! Now, I'm not making excuses (... but if I did I would tell you that I got extremely busy with my teaching towards the end of last year and so fell back on my blogging – sorry). I will try to keep it up in 2015. Thanks for reading.
So out of our original four chicken, only one survived, Astrid. The other little fuzzballs were unfortunately eaten by something called a "pian". Essentially it resembles an excessively smelly giant rat – charming, don't you think? Astrid somehow managed to stay alive. A couple of days after the traumatic event (and once we had fortified the chicken-hutch) we went out to buy some new chicken friends for Astrid. Falafel, Emily, Luna and Cleopatra joined the crew.
The chicken grew and everything was going well... until we returned from our holiday to find out that Astrid and Cleopatra are actually cocks rather than hens. Rather unhelpful, since we decided to get chicken in order to have eggs. We can skip the birds and the bees discussion, and (successfully) assume that cocks do not lay eggs.
Now, I wouldn't have minded having a cock in the flock if he would just have kept himself to himself in a nice cock sort of manner. But he did not. He was absolutely set on instilling his dominance over the others by generally inducing terror and fear in his fellow peers. Now, I do not endorse nonchalant violence. And since we are avid supporters of equality in this little family, I can absolutely not sanction outright discrimination. So last night, Astrid, bless him, was sent to barbecue heaven.
Despite what you may think, I am actually alive (which is really always a plus when you're living in French Guiana). So, I've returned to the cyber world and will try to keep up with my blogging in 2015 – I almost forgot, happy new year everybody! Now, I'm not making excuses (... but if I did I would tell you that I got extremely busy with my teaching towards the end of last year and so fell back on my blogging – sorry). I will try to keep it up in 2015. Thanks for reading.
So out of our original four chicken, only one survived, Astrid. The other little fuzzballs were unfortunately eaten by something called a "pian". Essentially it resembles an excessively smelly giant rat – charming, don't you think? Astrid somehow managed to stay alive. A couple of days after the traumatic event (and once we had fortified the chicken-hutch) we went out to buy some new chicken friends for Astrid. Falafel, Emily, Luna and Cleopatra joined the crew.
The chicken grew and everything was going well... until we returned from our holiday to find out that Astrid and Cleopatra are actually cocks rather than hens. Rather unhelpful, since we decided to get chicken in order to have eggs. We can skip the birds and the bees discussion, and (successfully) assume that cocks do not lay eggs.
Now, I wouldn't have minded having a cock in the flock if he would just have kept himself to himself in a nice cock sort of manner. But he did not. He was absolutely set on instilling his dominance over the others by generally inducing terror and fear in his fellow peers. Now, I do not endorse nonchalant violence. And since we are avid supporters of equality in this little family, I can absolutely not sanction outright discrimination. So last night, Astrid, bless him, was sent to barbecue heaven.
Just moments before the execution took place, we captured some last memories of our dear, but barbaric Astrid.
You have to acknowledge that he was a very pretty cock. Melba, of course, kept a close eye on the walking filet.
The executioner and the guilty party (and a machete for an authentic Caribbean effect).
The Red Queen said it well: "Off with his head!"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENDLDgje0Wc)
About the entire killing process. I would not consider myself a lightweight when it comes to gore, but I must admit, I do not think I could ever kill anything. Which, to be honest, I think, does not entitle me to eat meat. If you are a carnivore you should be able to (at least) acknowledge that another living entity has died in order for you to have that meal. I've been a meat eater all my life and have never seen an animal killed for meat in my 25 years – utter hypocrisy really.
So Anthony took it upon himself to educate me. It was terrible and traumatic... but a necessary and didactic experience. The chicken erratically flaps about even after the head has been removed. There's blood flying everywhere. It's perfectly dreadful.
So Anthony took it upon himself to educate me. It was terrible and traumatic... but a necessary and didactic experience. The chicken erratically flaps about even after the head has been removed. There's blood flying everywhere. It's perfectly dreadful.
Then comes the soaking and the plucking, which smells rather unpleasant if you ask me. The scent lingers too. The heat in French Guiana probably does not aid this situation.
I find this picture highly disturbing and thought it best to share it with the entire world. I have not further comments.
Mostly, his face looked more like this throughout the process. Removal of intestines and all the rest. Charming really.
The end result, 'BBQ Astrid' together with a couple of friends. We took a moment and thanked Astrid for his endeavor.
The next day the rest of the brood were looking very content at having their tormentor permanently (and magically) removed.
Luna, our brave and I dare say the most intelligent chicken I've ever met, was eager to be fed.
Luna the Wise
A happy brood enjoying their new found freedom :)
The tale will be ensued once we see what tendencies this little cockerel develops. We have renamed Cleopatra to Alexander the Great... for obvious reasons (we thought we'd give him the benefit of the doubt too).
Will he live in peace with his female companions or will we have to warm up the coals yet again? We'll just have to wait and sizzle – ... I mean SEE..
- - -
A general update and a post on a local equine riding-clinic coming up soon.
Until then, thanks for reading and take care! :)
Will he live in peace with his female companions or will we have to warm up the coals yet again? We'll just have to wait and sizzle – ... I mean SEE..
- - -
A general update and a post on a local equine riding-clinic coming up soon.
Until then, thanks for reading and take care! :)
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