The Feathered Files: Mildred

Say hello to Mildred everyone.

Mildred is one of my original six chicks that I ordered when we first moved into our new home. Hatched on 6/1/21 like her other 5 “chicklings” she made her way to us in a USPS box. There was no way to tell any of them apart when we first got them, so they did not inherit their names until they were older and started to get some more distinctive features. Two of the most distinctive features of any chicken are its comb and wattles. These are the flashy, fleshy, typically red, parts on a chicken’s head that most folks are familiar with. The comb is the part on top of the head and the wattles are the two flappy looking things below the beak. They also have fleshy little earlobes on the sides of their head.

It’s in the combs where I can tell my chickens apart from one another. I’m the only one who can even though you will see that all of them have very distinct features. Mildred’s comb is one of the larger in my little flock and also the floppiest. It’s on the thinner side with 4 points.

Mildred is a very friendly chicken which is a typical trait of the Orpington breed. I call them my feathered dogs. They come running over whenever someone goes outside. Here Mildred ups her game because she loves snuggles. If you sit down she will come over and hop in your lap and settle in for some petting. I’ve even had her fall asleep on me she was so comfy. You would never think of this from a chicken until you actually have them.

And that’s Mildred. Stay tuned for new editions of The Feathered Files.