As I mentioned last week, we did head down to Lebanon on Saturday to do some school shopping for Daphne. And I’m happy to report that not only was the shopping a rousing success…

but Daph was also super happy and well-behaved throughout the entire trip. And even stayed dry throughout both legs of the trip. (I don’t think that’s happened since June.)

Unfortunately, upon our return a few hours later we determined that we were missing a chicken. And, after some time spent looking for her, I eventually came across this scene of violence…

Yeah, we lost Barbara.

We’ve no idea what kind of predator took her. It seems likely that it would have been a hawk, as we’ve been yelling and clapping at a few of them as they’ve circled our field the past couple days. But foxes can never be ruled out and honestly are our usual suspects for chicken loss.

Sadly, this time we weren’t here to dissuade it…whatever it was.

So now we’re down to just three chickens. Jen and I were lamenting that fact last night, and generally feeling guilty over what terrible livestock owners we are to have let our girls (and one boy) get attacked and taken in such a fashion.

Then it occurred to me that we’ve had these chickens for three years.

The fact that we’re averaging a loss of just one chicken every year is…really not that bad. Particularly when you consider that they free-range every single day with no fence, no guardian dog, and very little in the way of supervision.

I might be willing to take a Pollo Challenge with some other homesteaders, even those who don’t free range, and see what their numbers looks like. (Actually, I bet those who don’t free range have a significantly higher illness mortality rate…)

Anyway, none of it changes the fact that we’re all very sad that Barbara is gone. She was an incredibly sweet and affectionate chicken, and was the first one to jump in everyone’s lap as soon as they sat down for some chicky back scratches.

We’ll miss you Barbara…

j.s.