Stevie the Chicken: The Unforgettable Pet Who Thought She Was a Dog
In a remarkable tale of interspecies bonding, Jessica Davis recounts her unforgettable experience with Stevie, a Buff Orpington chicken who defied all expectations by seamlessly integrating into her dog pack. This extraordinary pet story unfolds on Davis's expansive property in Malibu, which she has transformed into a personal animal sanctuary over the years.
A Vocal Beginning and a Musical Namesake
Stevie and her siblings arrived in Davis's life in 2021, fostered from a nearby animal shelter. Among the trio, Stevie stood out immediately with her vocal nature, prompting Davis to name her after the legendary musician Stevie Nicks. Davis, who has been rescuing animals since childhood, saw this as another opportunity to provide a safe haven, continuing a lifelong passion that began with small allowances spent at pet stores and street rescues.
Confident and Outgoing: A Chicken with Canine Aspirations
From the moment she arrived, Stevie exhibited a confident and outgoing personality that set her apart. Rather than keeping to the yard like a typical chicken, she asserted herself as the ruler of the domain and, most notably, took a keen interest in the dogs. Davis observed Stevie mimicking canine behaviors, running around with the pack, and even curling up in their indoor beds. The chicken would run up to Davis, allow herself to be picked up, and fall asleep on her lap, displaying an affection that shattered Davis's preconceptions about chicken behavior.
"I had always imagined that chickens would frolic in the yard and barely pay attention to me," Davis reflects. "But Stevie was affectionate. It made me realise how social and intelligent chickens can be – they're fascinating creatures."
Entertaining Antics and Household Integration
Stevie's most amusing habit was laying eggs in unexpected places throughout the house, from bookshelves to dog kennels, despite having a proper coop outside. This daily Easter egg hunt became a source of joy and laughter. Initially, Davis's six dogs were wary of their new feathered friend, requiring supervised interactions. However, within a week, Stevie had fully integrated, and the dogs accepted her as one of their own, treating her with the same camaraderie they shared among themselves.
A Bittersweet Farewell for a Better Future
Despite the deep bond formed, Davis recognized that Stevie would thrive better with a larger flock of chickens for her comfort and safety. After a year and a half, she made the difficult decision to relocate Stevie to a friend's property, which housed over 30 chickens and two dogs – a paradise for the sociable bird. Davis still visits regularly, noting that Stevie remembers her and greets her with the enthusiasm of a puppy.
Reflecting on the experience, Davis says, "I've taken in so many different animals over the years, but Stevie was definitely one of a kind. I don't think I'll ever experience another chicken like her." This story not only highlights the unique personality of one chicken but also challenges common misconceptions about animal intelligence and social dynamics, offering a poignant reminder of the unexpected connections that can form across species.
