Two years ago – almost on a whim – I told Bob I wanted to start keeping hens, never expecting him to agree. Within a month we had our first two and fairly soon after that we began hatching chicks. In all that time we’ve always had hens in the garden. We’ve also had turkeys, ducks and a trio of quail during that time but the hens have been the staple.

Last night I let the hens run around the garden and since it was still light when we headed to bed, I told Bob just to leave them to put themselves to bed. Our garden is completely enclosed by a 6ft+ high fence and wall combination so I stupidly assumed that they’d be safe – after all, last year we never locked their coop up – but this morning we discovered a fox had got all six of our lovely hens. I’m absolutely devastated, guilt-ridden and horrified.

For two years we have happily co-existed with our lovely feathered friends. Our children know no other way. At Nairn’s preschool assessment a few weeks ago he cheerfully blethered on about his hens who live in his garden and I think of our four children, he will be the one who misses them most. Maybe we’ll get some more in time. Maybe.

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Posted under self-sufficiency