The Light Lens: Empty Coop Syndrome

By T. Touris –

I was at work a while ago when I received a text message with a picture and the note: “Aren’t they just too cute to resist?”  Frantically, I replied: “You must resist!” Even before her quick reply of “Oops!” I knew my partner in hare-brained ideas (shh! don’t mention hares) had succumbed. We were now the proud owners of six Cinnamon Queen chicks.

She had chickens when we first met, so I can’t say the warning signs weren’t there. And while she very much misses her child, I’ve come to realize the real danger to our peaceful empty nest is not returning humans, but rather creatures of the furred and feathered persuasion. Presently, the rapidly growing hens reside in a spare bedroom.

These don’t appear to be highly motivated chickens. They’ve not applied to any prestigious universities; nor do they exhibit any desire to fly the coop and make millions with some break-through egg laying technology. No, they look to be blissfully content in the spare bedroom, even with two canine housemates suspiciously eyeing them.

Thus we have embarked on the construction of a new outbuilding. This space will provide warmth, clean water and protection from various predators. I hope to be moved in before spring.