Ybor Chickens Society

Happy International Respect for Chickens Day!!! Send Ybor’s flock some love here and we’ll pass it along ❤️🐓

Ten years ago yesterday, my sister forced me out of the house. I was in a funk after experiencing a layoff from a job I loved and the uncertainty that comes with that.

A block from my condo, we stumbled across something I’d somehow never seen before - a tiny clutch of newly hatched chicks. Coincidentally, it was Easter morning.

I went back the next day. Then the next. Then the next. Those small, steady visits became my reason to leave the house.

One morning, the owner of the casita caught me feeding them. Instead of shooing me off, he invited me in. An hour later, I was holding a key to the building. The space was an art gallery at the time - and just like that, I had two things to care about again while I figured out what came next.

Seven days a week, I was there. Watching over them. Gently guiding them out of the street, keeping an eye on the sky for hawks. And every evening, without fail, I’d sit on the porch with a beer and a Cuban cigar, waiting until each one had settled in safely for the night.

I never missed a night. And still don’t.

That small beginning became the Ybor Chickens Society. The Ybor Chickens Society became the Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary. I’m very proud of what both have accomplished.

As far as I know, only one of that original little family is still here. Time moves the way it does. But what they gave - to me, and to this neighborhood - has never left. It’s stitched into the rhythm of these streets now. Into the way people pause, smile, and care a little more than they might have otherwise.

So today, I’m not just remembering where it started - I’m honoring what it became.

Happy birthday to the YCS, to the YMM, and to Sir Lancelot - still standing, still strong. A true warrior!

And to Maisie Mae, Goldie, Pumpkinhead, King Arthur, Guineviere, Mookie, Eddie, Oreo, Phoenix, Baby Grae, Merlin, Michelle, Q-tip, Casper, and Kimbo:

You are still spoken about. Still missed. Still loved. Still making people smile.

Happy birthday, babies 😘

🙏

Nikolai’s been feelin’ himself as we’re approaching mankini season ☀️

Who you sending this to? 🚫🙅‍♂️🪓

How the Ybor Chicken Keep Warm, pt 2

Threesomes.

No, the Ybor chickens have not let themselves go! When it’s cold like this, they fluff up. This traps more air between their feathers and their bodies. Their body temp heats the air and this whole little system keeps them warm!

Anyway, quit body-shaming our birds, ya weirdo!

The Impostor’s legacy 🤍

Four bags of clothes and scarves, a handful of blankets, and two boxes of Eddie Bauer parkas and gear were collected today at !! And during the distributing, I scooped a boy who’s seen better days and a chick-shaped ice cube. They both have a very positive prognoses!

Thank you to Danielle and Matt at Ybor’s best brewery, to , and the other mystery donors! The difference y’all are gonna make tonight and over the next week is immense!

This is Tampa’s best community and it’s not even close ❤️

It’s Giving Tuesday! Set a little aside for the group that cares for our neediest birds! 🐥💛🤗