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Adeline Blalock, 3, talks to her chicken in the backyard at her home in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Timothy Blalock Jr., 12, walks through his backyard after visiting with his goats Saturday in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Theron Blalock, 6, feeds his goat in the backyard of his home in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Adara Blalock, Tim Blalock and Theron Blalock play with their pet goats at their home in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Adara Blalock holds one of her pet chickens outside their coop Saturday in Natchez. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — The Blalock household may not have any reindeer at the ready this holiday season, but perhaps what they have instead may be more than adequate.

When The Dart landed Saturday on Main Street, the Blalock family was residing in their front yard, taking in the sunny December afternoon.

But the backyard is where all the fun was to be had.

In addition to their six kids, Liz and Tim Blalock are also the proud owners to Dash and Cosmo — two goats — and eight chickens.

“A friend told me they had a goat, and I said sure, I’ll try it,” Tim said. “Then we got another one, and the kids love them. Then we got the chickens, mainly for the eggs, but also because it’s fun. We built their chicken house out of scraps, and the kids love it.”

The Blalocks brought in Dash 18 months ago, while Cosmo came six months later after they adopted him from the Humane Society.

“Dash likes to be social, but Cosmo is the alpha goat,” daughter Adara said. “We love our goats. They don’t like to be alone.”

Behind the house, the chicken coop is perched on the left side, and the goats’ pen rests before the yard dips downward, all surrounded by a fence.

“If you put on some music, (the goats) get excited and start dancing,” Tim said.

The Blalock’s youngest children, Adeline, 3, and Aleah, 1, have grown attached to the chickens, Tim said.

“That’s their thing. The first thing in the morning with them, we need to go check for eggs, and we need to go feed them.” he said. “The little girls love it. I don’t know what’s better, having the animals as pets or having the kids take care of them.”

Tim said his children maintain a strong bond with the farm animals and said an added health benefit also exists to the children being around the animals.

“Tristan (8) has always had allergy problems and mild asthma,” Tim said. “But ever since we got the chickens and goats, he hasn’t really had any problems with it.

“(The goats) are very easy to raise; they pretty much raise themselves.”

The children are not only close with the animals, but also with each other, always looking out for one another.

“We all stay close, but we also try to be active in the community as much as possible,” Tim said. “It’s hard when you have six kids; it’s always kind of crazy.”

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