A Great Disappearing Act

Life at Patriot's Dream is certainly never dull. For those of you who have been following the Spring chickens that have begun their days in the house, this is the newest chapter of their story- a mystery.

The majority of the new chickens have moved outside. There are still 14, however, who are not quite big enough to hold their own in the adult groups. So they are still residing in the house, in the big trough. As big as they are, they can peek their heads over the edge to see around them, and jump out sometimes. Usually about 5-7 times each day, we chase a chicken around and cuddle it, then put it back in the trough. Therefore, we habitually count chicken beaks whenever we pass.

Friday morning, all 14 were there when i got up to feed to dogs. A couple escaped and were put back before we left for school. But when we returned from town, only 13 were there, with Chicken Little standing on the edge. We looked and looked, and moved furniture, but there was no chicken. We looked in the closets and bookshelves, behind doors. No chicken.

By Saturday morning, we were eyeing the dogs with great suspicion. Bu when could they have done anything? They are outside while we are away. I began some big cleaning that night, figuring things would eventually turn up. The little one hadn't been named yet, and from the large size of the comb for the young age, we had begun to believe he would be the accidental rooster of the Spring.

Sunday morning, Daddy got up and left for the base. I didn't get up to feed the dogs until about 6:30, then did some computer work and headed for the shower. Wyatt came to the next room to talk to me, and was laying on the couch planning breakfast when I came out to say good morning.

I asked him to go get dressed, and on the way pick up the chicken from under the dining table. I thought it must be Yago, due to the color, but Wyatt went over and instantly recognized the little rooster.

So where had he been for two days? We may never know. His propensity for hiding and sneaking around provides an additional challenge in selecting an appropriate name, though. Life is always eventful here!