What kind of chicken is Beanie?

Beanie is a Buff Orpington. Buff is the color. When she is full grown, I expect that she will be slightly darker and maybe a bit more golden color than she is now.

The Orpington breed originated in England in 1886. They are known for being good egg layers (brown) and for making good pets.


My wife Lori, started giving Beanie rides when she was just a chick.

Beanie in her new cage

I put Beanie in her cage in the morning. Her old cage acts as a temporary perch and security blanket.

Meanwhile

While I was showing Beanie all those instruments, she was growing -- really fast! I knew she would need a larger cage, but I didn't realize how soon she would need it. So, my father-in-law drew up some plans, based on some ideas I had and over a couple of weeks we put it together.

This cage is about 4 feet long, almost 2 feet wide and a little less than 2 feet high. We still are making the nesting box out of plywood, which will attach on the end. I still put Beanie in the workshop at night, but when I'm done with the box she should be able to stay outside.

Finally on the right track

It was getting obvious that Beanie was just not cut out for either woodwind or brass instruments. So we moved on to something else altogether...





Now we are getting somewhere

BEANIE ROCKS!

Beanie goes for broke

Beanie must have thought that too many keys made playing music hard, so she decided to try out a Baritone, which only had three keys. But, there was a slight size problem...

Beanie and the clarinet

Beanie insisted on trying out a clarinet. I explained that you have to push the keys down to make music on the clarinet. But, of course, you also have to blow on the mouthpiece, which posed a serious problem. In, the end, Beanie got tired and wanted to rest er roost for a while.

Beanie discovers the trumpet

I tried to explain the difference between playing a flute and a trumpet, but I don't think it made any sense.

Beanie discovers the flute

I may not have mentioned it, but I have been repairing band instruments (woodwind & brass) since 1966. So my workshop is always filled with instruments. Well, one day Beanie wanted to learn what a flute was...

Beanie finally starts to explore the world

I finally saw that Beanie needed more experiences, so I began letting her out to see the big wide world...and to meet some of her new friends, like Quenby the cat.

Beanie grows and so does her curiosoty

You could almost see Beanie growing. From a baby chick it seemed like no time at all she was the size you see in this picture, wanting to see what was beyond her cage in my workshop.

Beanie's new life begins

Since Beanie was so small, I kept her in a small carying cage in my workshop so she would be safe and warm.

Where did Beanie come from?

Some have wondered where Beanie came from. Here is a short biography...

I bought Beanie from the Escondido Feed Supply Co., in Escondido, California. She was among a small flock of two week old pullets like these.
Who would have imagined that out of such humble beginnings, a chicken of such amazing abilities would come?

Picture of Beanie

This is beanie, at about 5 weeks. See how curious she is?

Who is Jim?

My name is Jim. I am the one who discovered Beanie. Since she was such a special chicken, I decided to tell her story in a Blog format so others could share in what I am discovering.