Death is a regular part of life on a farm. No matter how many times we lose an animal it still is painful. Yesterday we lost a Black Australorp hen. The day before she was normal. That evening she was lying in a strange position. Today she is dead.
This is the second time that has happened in nearly two years of having chickens. Certainly, we have lost others to predators, but this is only really the second completely inexplicable death. Undoubtedly, there IS a cause of death. We just have NO IDEA what happened. Notably in each instance no other chickens were sick or died.
(Incidentally, we love Black Australorps. Others must love them, too, because they always sell well. They are beautiful and extremely gentle.)
All this to sadly say…chickens come and chickens go. Why did your chicken die?Unless it is self evident or unless you want to pay for an autopsy, you may never know.
Chickens are both surprisingly resilient and yet sometimes surprisingly delicate. It is sad to lose one because they are such useful pets, but expect it. Don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. You are probably doing a great job…it just happens.
We just read Ecclesiastes 1-6 this morning which was very timely. To everything there is a season. A time to be born and a time to die. It will not be that way for ever, but for now it points us very vividly to the Fall. It reminds us that everything is not right on Earth. Death cries out for Redemption, Resurrection, and a Savior.
And that is just what is happening in the world. Slowly but surely.
Redemption, Resurrection and Salvation.
And that is exciting.
