A few days ago a raccoon managed to pry boards loose from our nesting boxes, gain access to the chicken coop, and massacre three of the hens.  Sufficed to say, I'm pretty bummed.  Although we recently inherited these girls, it is hard not to quickly get attached to them.  There is evidence the raccoon is returning; luckily, the new fortifications have kept the murderous critter out. The remaining hens are pretty anxious, but have already started laying again.

Tough little birds.

Now that we are down to three chickens, decisions need to be made regarding the care and nurturing of a new clutch.  This was a decision I had hoped to make a year from now when the older layers slowed in production.  However, it seems I may have the opportunity in the immediate future to learn ever-more about raising chickens.

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May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 
-Irish Blessing

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This'll probably be the last post I write this year, lest rambling ensue.  Happy Holidays to you and yours.  May next year be better than the last.