So last night, here in western NC, around 5pm, my wife and I decided to put the chickens in the coop because the power had gone out, and a storm was brewing. It was looking nasty out. Our coop is right next to the house, somewhat nestled under the side stair case, and next to our very expensive rubbermaid shed, that we purchased only a couple months ago. So as we ganged up on the chickens and tried to get them in the coop (it was supposed to storm pretty late, and I didn't want them getting caught outside), the rain began. My wife gave up first and ran inside. I followed about 10 seconds later. As I closed the door behind us, we got his with a tornado, or microburst, or something (haven't seen the weather or news yet), and a big tree snapped about half way up, and came crashing down where we stood only seconds before....crushing my coop/run, and the shed. My garden was nearly mowed over, every plant having been pushed over and laid on the ground. Our kids were thrown under objects that would hopefully save them if another one of our many trees came crashing down. We could not check on the chickens, and feared the worst. When things had calmed down a half hour later, it was time to head out in the continuing rain, and asses the situation. To our surprise, the 2 that did not make it in were safe under the front porch. Our barred rock hen had somehow made it at the last second, and joined the others in the only completely untouched part of the coop, under the side stairs. All had survived.
Following is what we saw of our yard when we got out. To keep it on topic, I'm guessing they will work through their eggs already in production, and then stop from stress for a while? Pics...
I can't believe they all survived...
Following is what we saw of our yard when we got out. To keep it on topic, I'm guessing they will work through their eggs already in production, and then stop from stress for a while? Pics...
I can't believe they all survived...
