2020 Youth Essays - Avery Hendricks (Junior)

Peep! Peep! What’s that sound? It’s Mask! It is March 28, 2020.

Mask is on her way home. She is chirping and chirping because she is

overwhelmed from the long trip in the mail. Mask is my favorite chicken

because she is a Barred Rock, she has a special place in my heart, and

we got her and her sisters for a specific purpose.

Mask is a Barred Rock. There are many reasons why this breed is

perfect for us. First, we have never had a Barred Rock chicken. Barred

Rock chickens are black with white spots. They get more spots as the

chickens get bigger. Barred Rock chickens are cold weather hardy. That

means they can handle cold weather. Lastly, Barred Rock chickens lay

tan eggs. These eggs can also be a darker brown color with little dots.

Mask has a special place in my heart. First, Mask is a fighter.

When she was a freshly hatched chick, she was the smallest and had

trouble getting to food and water. We took extra special care of her to

make sure she stayed healthy. Mask got her name from the way she

looks. My family and I named her Mask after the little yellow mask

across her face. Finally, Mask is still the smallest Barred Rock that we

have. However, she keeps up with the bigger hens.

We got Mask and her sisters for a specific purpose. What’s that

purpose? EGGS! We want eggs! When we get enough eggs, we plan to

start selling them to friends and family.

Now you know why Mask is my favorite chicken, and she should be

yours too! Who wouldn't love a Barred Rock hen who holds a special

place in your heart and serves a great purpose like laying eggs? Peep!

Peep!