"The island is overridden by wild chickens. We don't know where they come from; multiple people have told us they were released from a chicken farm by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, while others insist this is just a natural outcome of a Caymanian tradition of keeping "yard fowl" for meat and eggs. The roosters crow all day and night (though particularly at dawn); it was a nuisance at first, but we're getting used to them."
To elaborate, here is a short video of what our side yard looks (and sounds) like at 8am on any given morning.
We have actually gotten fairly used to the noise, and I hardly notice it anymore. The novelty has not yet warn off on Joshua, though, who loves to point, wave, and squeal at any chicken he sees. (This also applies to iguanas).
I've been told that you can usually identify a tourist (or a newbie) from a local based on their reaction to the chickens. I've been trying pretty hard to avoid the tell-tale "new to the island" giveaways, but I'm sure I'm outing myself by pointing out to Joshua every chicken in the grocery store parking lot. I just love seeing him so excited! I guess that's probably just part of motherhood - making a fool of yourself for the sake of a one-year-old - right?
Love it! The chickens do become normal, but it's always more fun to see the world through the eyes of a child. :)
ReplyDeleteAh... who cares if someone thinks you're new to the island? It's true, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm more curious about that thing in the back that looks like a huge sandbox... Joshua's dream toy??
Ha, it is a huge sandbox but it's like overgrown with weeds and nasty-looking. And I'm convinced that there are scorpions hiding in there. Ick, I shudder just thinking about it! So, Joshua will probably only play in there on Daddy's watch. :)
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post about the chickens?! :)
ReplyDelete