In nearly 12 months of chicken stewardship, we’ve come to terms with one stark reality: chickens are frail little creatures. Life is precious and fleeting, but in the sad moments that come with loss, so does the celebration of the happy moments.
The realities of owning backyard chickens means that death is a part of this lifestyle. Most backyard chickens have a 50% higher mortality rate than caged chickens due to predators, disease, accidents. I believe their quality of life is higher, and I know my life is far richer because of each of these feathered friends.
Most recently, we lost our beloved newest resident, Spike. He brought so much joy to our lives in the few months we were blessed to have him. We’re awaiting test results to find out exactly what happened to him.
We lost the beautiful white Wyondotte from an impacted crop in mid February and I am so grateful for this lovely girl and her beautiful eggs she was so faithful with.
In January, we lost one of our Rhode Island Reds to being egg-bound. She endured for so long, we really thought she would pull through. She was another one of our most consistent layers and a beautiful hen.
In August, we lost the Polish hen, Bug. She simply disappeared one day, and I still choose to believe she slipped through the fence somehow and was picked up by another loving family. She was a real sweetheart and gave us many smiles.
Our very first loss came within thirty six hours of getting our first chicks. Little Sleepy was tired and weak from the start, and though we had her only a few hours, she touched a place in my heart and I’m grateful for her brief appearance in my life.
With each loss, I almost fool myself into thinking that it will get easier. That this is just something we must accept, that maybe putting distance between me and the flock will protect my heart. But it’s more, so much more. I can’t help but adore these sweet creatures and crave to protect them against such a harsh world.
In the down moments, the light shines through and I give thanks for all that I’ve been given. For these chickens have given far more to me than eggs. Perspective. Companionship. Laughter. Peace.
Thank you, dear friends. You’re flying beyond the fences now!
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