What came next and next...

Since moving out of Austin, we have cared for a pair of hens: Lisselle and Frightful, procured as adult hens from a feed store September of 2018. They graced our backyard and were allowed to forage all day, without supervision. How trusting my daughter and I were. They went missing once, and Liselle went missing once again on her own, but return unharmed both times. They were killed on different nights by the neighbor's dog or a racoon almost two years after we named them and started loving them. No hens were to be had until we moved into a new home. It took some time to warm up to the idea. Our third year in the new house we went to the feed store and brought home six little chicks.

His chicken coops

He taught me how to love the yard bird. His lived several years past their lifespans. I remember a rooster that was 18 years old. He made chicken coops all the time. I didn't think he would ever end. I thought he'd go on forever. He fell one day and that started the whole thing. Bed ridden, then he got weak, then weaker then he stopped going outside and the yard worked stopped. Never another flock of chickens, or dog or chicken coops or new tree around after that. I'm glad I took pictures. Long abandoned now, this area was once so green and alive and beautiful. The cages were like little folk art pieces settled into pumpkin vines, loquat trees and potted plants.

Back to chickens

On a walk two weeks ago we stopped at a pretty, fenced in yard with lush green grass, two small coops and four portly hens. Either the leader of the group or just the sweetest one came up to us and seemed to take a liking to my three year old. She cooed as she gave us the look over. She walked along with us, the length of the fence, as we left that little oasis. I walked away wondering when we'd have a garden and could keep chickens again. We are renting an apartment at the moment. Not sure where to put down roots or when. Where is really the question. I trust that it will happen at the best possible time for us.

I walked away wanting chickens again. Since my own Little Chickie was born, I haven't really felt I had the space or energy for a pet. It's coming back, not just for chickens but maybe a bunny. So, when the opportunity presents itself, I'll be looking for Silkies. In the meantime, there is daydreaming to do and I had forgotten how satisfying that can be. It feels good to find myself with the room for the feathered or the fluffy again.

Chicken Scratch

I could really use some chickens right now. August and I found these scenes at two different feed stores. Couldn't resist getting her a toy chicken. She loves it! One day we'll have chickens again and all will have fallen into place.

Chickens unearth things. Watching them do this is so cathartic. I remember mine would uncover 50 and 60 year old plastic toys and clothespins. They showed me where someone had once put up a clothesline. I pictured kids playing at their mother's feet while she hung up clothes.

Chickens unearth everything. It is about time I make the chicken my official, Official Mascot. I need to keep this lil bird on my totem list. No secrets, c'mon chickens....unearth everything.