Sunday, November 12, 2006


Have I mentioned that some hens can crow? Maybe Brighty is just extra special but yesterday as I was listening to each early morning 'cock-a-doodle-do' by rooster Gimley, a much shorter, squeakier version would follow from Brighty our last little Silver Sebright hen. Gimley is a mutt bantam and it is very possible that he is Brighty's son. These two are the last of the flock, mostly done in by the relentless predators we have in the area.


Since they are the only survivors, I let them come into our attached garage at night for safe sleeping. The photo is where they perch for the night, high on a narrow shelf. But last night when I looked in to say my good-nights, Gimley was all alone. After calling and searching, I found Brighty huddled under the front porch way back in the corner. She was far out of reach and wouldn't budge when I called to her. There is no way to crawl under this low porch so I had to just wish her well for the night.


Later after I was in bed, I heard her call for help. Grabbing a flashlight and running outside, I found this nasty possum who has hunted the chickens in the past under the porch.



He was afraid of me and was trying to find the only way out which is through the wooden porch steps. My son was able to chase him out and off into the woods but there was no sign of Brighty. We searched for at least an hour. There were some of her black and white feathers but no hen. Reluctantly we went to bed.

This morning as I listened to Gimley crowing solo, I felt bad that he would have to go it alone from now on. Then I saw her. Out the back door waiting for me to toss some corn and sunflower seeds her way. She had somehow survived, made it around to the back of the house and found shelter for the night. Me and Gimley were just beaming.

I know I write about my passion for crows, and I do love Seven and his intelligence amazes me. But there is a bond, an unexplainable connection with the chickens I have had over the years. This old pair won't win any poultry exhibitions, but they have sure won a place in my heart.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Sara,
You had me in tears thinking that you might have lost one of your remaining two chickens. May Gimley and Brighty live long and well in your cozy garage. And may Mr. Opossum find his supper elsewhere. Love, Your Sister, Peg

Sun Nov 12, 12:03:00 PM 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sara, oh Sara! You had me on pins and needles reading this latest post. What a relief to know Brighty is okay. Bet you're crowing now, too. Cathy

Sun Nov 12, 06:59:00 PM 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad they are OK! mj

Mon Nov 13, 08:06:00 AM 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a lovely story. My father wins prizes when he shows his poultry at agricultural shows. My sister had a pet chicken when she was a child, Athur - who we later discovered, when 'he' laid an egg, to be, in fact, Martha! :-)

Fri Jan 26, 09:55:00 PM 2007  

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