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| Chicken Abbey Road |
It is always such a wonderful feeling to return home after some time away. I am always eager to check on the girls and see how they adapted to life without us. We are fortunate to have some of the best chicken sitters around, but somehow, I can’t help but think they can never replace us.
I often wonder if the chickens even care who feeds them, who waters them or, especially who gives them treats. I tend to think that for them visualizing a handful of fresh greens can help them overcome any fear. Yet, time and time again when we return from being away the girls,we are greeted with giddy excitement.
As we pulled the car in the driveway, the girls must have known and made a bee-line to the coop door. Wiggling, dancing and stepping on each other’s toes, they could not wait to get out and be reunited with the family. As we quickly got the youngest one’s shoes on, the girls were calling out. My husband and I busily unpacked the car as the kids went over to see the chickens.
Once unpacked, I grabbed some fresh greens, a tomato from the fridge and some celery tops that had seen better days. There the girls were, with the kids so happy. I could feel my heart smile. I sat down near the coop and the girls showered me with their affection. Oyster Cracker could not wait to sit in my lap. I took a peek in the run. Just what had the girls been up to during our absence?
They dug holes; big, huge, all consuming holes in the run. Dolly and Autumn as suspected went broody. Tilly is done with being broody and continues to molt terribly and the rest seemed to just as they were when we left. Despite the heat, they had also laid a dozen eggs.
Our two families were once again reunited. It is amazing how much you can miss feathers and fluff, but somehow, it happens the same every time. The chickens know and love who we are as much as we feel for them. Home is a feeling that you get deep down inside; when you feel content, in a safe place and loved. Returning “home” for us happened yesterday outside the coop sitting in the grassy lawn.
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
3 thoughts on “No Place Like Home”
A beautiful story; it warms my heart!
how do you prepare for trips away from your ladies? do you hire a chicken sitter (and how do you go about finding a reputable caretaker in your stead?)
I love this! I was feeling a little crazy that I love my chickens so much and enjoy sitting out there with them so much. its funny when I walk outside and the chickens hear our voices, they jump up and start clucking and looking for us!