Dona Worry
Crowing
I have been letting my little flock out to range in the afternoons until nightfall. Well, NORMALLY I close the door when I do bed check, but what with farm stuff and a late night, I did bed checks. . . Then left without closing the door!
I have a light that automatically turns on at 3:30am, an hour before I get up. I woke up this morning to a cold, nasty rain blowing in from the north with a vengeance, look out my window so I can admire my chickens snug in the coop with their light and the door is open and there are no chickens.
I rush out into the rain with my phone flashlight, sneakers, no socks, and pajamas. No chickens in the coop. It's pitch dark, raining hard. No chickens in sight.
I found Nardole first, only because he is white. I thought he was dead-- sprawled out on the grass, completely still. I rushed him to the bright light in the coop to examine him for injuries, and he fluttered out of my arms and started eating. I found Rory next, cautiously approaching my bedroom window.
I called the rest and waved my light, and brave Sarah Jane answered! She came waddling towards the light as fast as her bedraggled little fluff butt could, River Song and Martha behind her.
Romana, of course, is PURE BLACK, and I never would have found her except Jackie started calling for the flock and Romana answered. I had to physically retrieve both of them, as they had wandered too far away from the light to see.
Susan and babies came in on their own, thankfully. She had hunkered down underneath the coop, chicks warm and dry beneath her.
My 3 favorites took the longest to find. I found Missy on the edge of the road. My best guess is the lights from a passing vehicle led her there. She was indignant, soaked through, and VERY happy to be picked up.
Clara and Bill Potts were the farthest away. Somehow, they made it across the cow pasture--100 yards or more through tall grass!
Clara heard me calling and started her distinctive cackle. As soon as I approached with the light, she raced to sit on my feet, Billy mincing along behind.
I am luckier than I deserve-- my chickens were all fine, just a little wet and cold. I have no idea why they would have left the warmth and safety of the coop for the blinding rain and darkness.
I have a light that automatically turns on at 3:30am, an hour before I get up. I woke up this morning to a cold, nasty rain blowing in from the north with a vengeance, look out my window so I can admire my chickens snug in the coop with their light and the door is open and there are no chickens.
I rush out into the rain with my phone flashlight, sneakers, no socks, and pajamas. No chickens in the coop. It's pitch dark, raining hard. No chickens in sight.
I found Nardole first, only because he is white. I thought he was dead-- sprawled out on the grass, completely still. I rushed him to the bright light in the coop to examine him for injuries, and he fluttered out of my arms and started eating. I found Rory next, cautiously approaching my bedroom window.
I called the rest and waved my light, and brave Sarah Jane answered! She came waddling towards the light as fast as her bedraggled little fluff butt could, River Song and Martha behind her.
Romana, of course, is PURE BLACK, and I never would have found her except Jackie started calling for the flock and Romana answered. I had to physically retrieve both of them, as they had wandered too far away from the light to see.
Susan and babies came in on their own, thankfully. She had hunkered down underneath the coop, chicks warm and dry beneath her.
My 3 favorites took the longest to find. I found Missy on the edge of the road. My best guess is the lights from a passing vehicle led her there. She was indignant, soaked through, and VERY happy to be picked up.
Clara and Bill Potts were the farthest away. Somehow, they made it across the cow pasture--100 yards or more through tall grass!
Clara heard me calling and started her distinctive cackle. As soon as I approached with the light, she raced to sit on my feet, Billy mincing along behind.
I am luckier than I deserve-- my chickens were all fine, just a little wet and cold. I have no idea why they would have left the warmth and safety of the coop for the blinding rain and darkness.
Last edited:
