27 Jun 2020
Feathers and Fun
Kate Markland
Recently, we had the delightful opportunity to visit a friend’s smallholding, and what an adventure it turned out to be! Gabriel was he was especially curious to meet their chickens that roamed freely around the yard.
As we arrived in the yard, the clucking and flapping of feathers seemed to fill the air. Gabriel’s initial reaction was one of caution; the chickens darting around his feet were a bit overwhelming. He hesitated, unsure about getting too close to these lively birds. Seeing his wariness, his friend offered some gentle encouragement, reminding him that the chickens were friendly and just as curious about him.
Taking a deep breath, Gabriel began to relax. With a little guidance, he approached one of the chickens, extending his hand slowly. To his surprise, the chicken didn’t peck or squawk; it merely clucked softly and looked up at him with its big, bright eyes. With newfound confidence, Gabriel scooped the chicken up for a cuddle, and his face lit up with pure joy!
After the initial trepidation, he was all smiles, stroking the soft feathers and giggling at the ticklish feeling. It was heartwarming to see him so engaged and enjoying the moment.
The rest of our time was filled with laughter, running around, and even helping out a bit with feeding the animals. Gabriel’s fear of the chickens quickly turned into fascination, and he left the smallholding with not only a great story but also a new appreciation for our feathered friends.
It was a wonderful reminder of how stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to unexpected joys and memorable experiences.