I went out early this morning to feed the chickens and give them fresh water.  I had noticed that the rooster was not crowing, and that one of the chickens was cackling like she had just laid an egg.  As I got outside, I realized that the sound was coming from the rooster, not the hens, and our solitary hen, The Lone Ranger, was fussing wildly.

    We had been trying to let them have full range of our fenced in back yard area, but because they had eaten everything that was green they are now in a more confined area so that I can get some things growing on the other side.  One of the 4 original chickens that we raised from baby chicks had been killed by a hawk earlier this year, and my instinct was to cover them with wire to prevent predators from harming them.  Then I thought about their freedom, and how happy they seem to be scooting around, staying busy all day long, curious, cute.

    I opened the fenced area, and they all started talking.  The rooster didn’t even try to joust with me.  I couldn’t figure out what was up.  They did not seem interested in the food, or the fact that I had fresh water - their supply was frozen solid.  Then I saw her.

    The Lone Ranger led me to her.  Poor Lakshmi.  Something had attacked her in the night.  She was already frozen.  I carefully lifted her with my shovel, and buried her under the magnolia tree.  During this time I was thinking about the price of freedom for my chickens.  Perhaps free range is not the best thing for them.

    Maybe I’ll only let them out when I’m outside to protect them.  I wish I could teach them defensive tactics.  Or shoot the hawk or coyote that attacked her and threatens the others. Or sleep outside.

    It will take them (and me) a day or so to recover.  When we lost the first one, the other three hovered under the house for a full day.  I can just imagine how badly the rooster feels.  He is so protective of his hens.  Just not protective enough to save her.

    So today Lakshmi is no more.  Sad day.  And a thoughtful day.  What can I do to protect them without caging them?  I’ll let you know my solution.