A SAD DAY AT THE FARMHOUSE

The farmhouse family lost a  hen the other day. She was one of the first chicks we bought. I don't know why she left this life because there weren't any signs of illness. I checked on them the night before like always and she was laying in one of the nesting boxes as usual.  I know they say don't let your chickens sleep in the nesting boxes, but it really didn't make a difference one way or another and it made her happy. When I went out the next morning, she was laying in the nesting box with her head tucked down in the corner on some hay. There were no signs of any thrashing around or discomfort, it looked like she just laid her head down and passed on peacefully. I don't know the lifespan of a Rhode Island Red, but this girl lived four very comfortable years. Even though we didn't formally name our chickens, we knew each and every one of them. We miss her every time we call "Chickens!" and only four girls come running up to the fence to greet us .

She was always close by, but not too close.

She was one of our biggest hens.

A lazy day sunning herself.

Here she is giving orders to one of the other hens.