Chickens have curves too!

With everything there is a learning curve.  Yes, there are experts to talk to, shows to watch, books to read, and podcasts to listen to.  But still the learning curve lingers.  I panic.  I want to know everything now and get it correct, right from the start.  But that's not the way life is.  I've had chickens for 2 1/2 years.  Still, I keep learning.

Every night I put them to bed.  Scoot them all into their little house, give them water for the night, tell them to have sweet dreams and shut the door.  This works great.  Since I put them to bed at a certain time, I know if they get out and fly away, they will be back at that time.  I'm not kidding.  Once, one of my girls got out, and literally seconds later was chased by the neighbor's dog.  She flew away.  Across the field.  Wings soaring threw the air.  She didn't even look back.  My heart sank.  All day I watched for her.  Then, at bedtime, there she was.  Standing by the back door waiting to go to bed.  I've often wondered what she did all day.

Then yesterday.  Life came up.  Bedtime passed.  Darkness fell over the land.  Gasp!  I forgot the girls.  I ran out, flashlight in hand.  Only to discover, they had put themselves to bed.  All that was left, was to say goodnight and close the door.  Just another reason why animals are instinctively wise.  It makes me wonder why they need me at all.  Because I sing to them, maybe?