Rest in Peace, Hedwig

One of the first questions people ask when they find out I have a flock of chickens is, "How long does a chicken live?"

I've never had a good answer for them, until this week. Hedwig died at the age of 8.

I could see she was slowing down. I let her do as much freeranging as possible and tried to give her assess to as much sun as possible and bowls full of scratch grains. But I'd see her standing under a lawn chair staring out into space while the younger chicks hogged down her grains. Or I'd see her standing near a fence, taking in a breeze. 

She couldn't make it to her usual roosting spot, so at night, I'd help her up. And that's where I found her. I imagine she went peacefully. At least, that's what I hope to believe. 

Hedwig was my flock leader for 7 years, and the reason I kept my flock. She ruled it with a quiet authority, maintaining order in a nonviolet way. I was tremendously sad to find her. Not terribly surprised, because I knew. But, so very sad. I'm going to miss my girl.

It will be interesting to watch the flock sort it out this week. I believe Betty White has thrown her hat in the ring. She's roosting in Hedwig's old spot. But she isn't as calmly decisive as Hedwig, and I am not sure what the impact on the rest will be. 

Anyways. In my experience, chickens can live as long as 8 is the answer to how long they live. I wish they could live longer.

Rest in peace, my girl.

Which Chicken Are You?

If you are the kind of Mom who can make a kid stop what they're doing with just a look, you are Hedwig.

Hedwig is the leader of the flock. She leads with a quiet authority with Blanche and Squirt as her wingmen. (Winghen?)

Don't mess with Hedwig and she won't mess with you.

And again, I am using the Hipstamatic app to take these cool photos. I may have to name a hen after the Hipstamatic.

No Camp Cous Cous

Well, spring is here and Hedwig is laying her beautiful green/blue eggs again and Stretchie is laying her little whities. Legs laid her biannual egg. Life is good. Freeranging is good. Not having to deal with freezing water is good.

I forgot, my chickens are pets that happen to lay eggs, not egg layers who happen to live near my house. That's how it felt all winter, but now I am able to enjoy them again.

The chickens know

Last night, in light of having three dogs, too many vet bills (Fetch, the Jack Russell had pancreatitis), two parents working full time and a kid who doesn't help out, we discussed the fate of the flock.

There are certain chickens I would have a hard time parting with. Hedwig, Coco, Legs. Maybe even Blanche, because you just can't replace her weirdness factor.

But this winter has meant only chores and frozen open doors and fences. No time to enjoy, no temperatures allowing anything more than running out with food and water then running back in.

They must have overheard us, because today, there was a record 10 eggs in the nesting boxes. "Let's get to work, girls!" Hedwig must have told them. And they did.