On July 19th we moved the 3 hens to our country home for their summer vacation. They have since been enjoying the exciting new selection of bugs and grasses – every day has been like a brand new buffet dinner for them.

Today, around mid-day we headed outside to give them some treats. We waited for them to sprint over, as is their usual routine. Only one came running. Very unusual. So, we went searching and found this evidence of a struggle. Upon further investigation we found both bodies – one decapitated and one with her neck broken. This was a risk we took when we decided to allow them to free-range. We aren’t sure what kind of predator did this, but we think it was probably a fox. We are going to reposition the Eglu closer to the house and keep a eye on the one remaining hen, Sally.

Even though the main and original purpose for owning the hens was for the eggs, we didn’t realize just how attached we had become. In the scheme of things, this is small compared to what a real farmer has to deal with day in and day out. There is an emotional side to farming and we have a new appreciation for the farmers who provide us with our food.