Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2018 | Page 440

The Chickens
of Montserrat
On most of the Caribbean islands, a common
thing to see on any day will be animals,
roaming freely, lying on the sidewalk or street
or just standing, observing its surroundings
before lazily moving along. Montserrat is no
exception. One such animal is the ubiquitous
chicken. These chickens are usually owned by
the villagers, with most homes having its own
quantity for personal use. Some, however may
have no home and would just roam, free to do
as they please.
For the privileged chickens residing in rustic
cages, or free roamers within the confines
of their owners property, they do live a life of
luxury. They are fed and well-looked after -
they must be, because they have to produce
eggs, and some have to be fattened for
consumption! If you see them during your
island explorations, pause for a moment.
An observer would somewhat humorously
conclude that they seem to be strutting
around, almost in a pompous, yet regal
manner. At times they may pause to scratch
the ground or pick at remnants of food another
may have left behind. The chicken may be
a hen, with its cute, fluffy chicks tripping
over themselves as they gather around their
mother’s feet, sometimes hindering her
strutting process. Or, you may spy the king of
the yard, the male chicken - the rooster.
And, he can be loud! Visitors living in the rural
areas may find themselves jolted awake around
5:00 am by the sound of the rooster, crowing
loudly to herald the start of its day. And, be
prepared, because he will be soon be joined
by his many associates sleeping on nearby
trees, they too being the alarm clock for the
residence, ensuring those inside are awakened
with the sunrise, to start their day.
As the hours of the day progresses, the
chickens may leave the safe haven of their yard
and venture out into the streets - a dangerous
undertaking as they risk being chased by a
stray dog or worse yet, being swiped by a
passerby and promptly served in a stew for
lunch or dinner.
For those who have tasted the local chicken,
I’m sure you’ll agree that it is a delectable
morsel - gamey but succulent. And, when
served as a stew, it is finger-licking good.
So, when in Montserrat, don’t be shy - ask a
restauranter or any local you meet, where you
can find a meal of “yard-fowl”. Or, you may be
tempted to grab one of the stray ones and
cook it yourself. I don’t think anyone would
mind, but you may just be that “passerby” who
grabbed someone’s chicken and served it in a
stew for lunch or dinner, so don’t risk it!