Happy Easter! — Jacksonville, Fl Pet Photographer | North Florida Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I figured in the spirit of Easter, I’d post some of my favorite, chicken, duck and bunny photos!

As some people may know, especially those on my personal Facebook page, I raise chickens and ducks as a hobby. Up until I started, I didn’t know anyone else in Jacksonville who had them, now I’m surprised by the number of people around with chickens.

Above is either Dixie or Pixie, one of my show winning chickens. If you are at the Clay County Fair this week, you will see a couple of my chickens, including her. The most common questions I hear are “does she have eyes?” The answer is yes, unless they are going to a show and thus have been washed and blow dried, their feathers are typically gelled back by me or they have done it on their own by dipping their heads in watermelon or yogurt.

I also hear, “Do you shave their necks?” No. Silkies are completely feathered, but Showgirls either have completely naked necks or partial, as shown above.

And the second most common question, “Do you eat your chickens?” No. Silkies & Showgirls are an Asian based breed that are only about 1.5 lbs at full grown and they have black skin, meat and bones. This is what they would look like if they were going to be eaten. Not too appetizing.

When I was little my grandparents had a farm and we had goats. When my husband and I got the chance we decided to get chickens as a pet. We went for this breed because they are known as the “lapdog of the chicken world.” That really appealed to us since we wanted something tame and friendly. Like any animal they each have their own personality and the more you handle them the friendlier they are. I have some that follow me around others that will jump in my lap. All of them know who I am and come running if they hear or see me. They also know who strangers are.

This is a little duckling hatching. You can see his beak sticking out and he’s quacking.