It is with heavy heart, such a heavy heart, that I must share with you that Ethel was killed by a raccoon in the barnyard in the early hours of the morning today.
She was a beauty with a joie de vivre.
Keela barked with great intensity at about 6:30am. While that’s not totally uncommon, it was definitely her “guarding” bark.
I think I’ve written more about Lucy and Ethel than any of the other animals. They were so entertaining together.
Ethel followed Lucy everywhere. Even to the treetops to roost when they were young.
They loved hanging out in the treehouse at night.
There was the time they took a tour of the house.
They acted like it was perfectly normal for them to be strolling around the living room.
She laid her first egg in the hay tub.
She wasn’t going to lay eggs in the nesting box like the others.
Every afternoon they would fly over the fence into the backyard and spend a couple hours scratching in the mulch.
They loved hanging out on top of the coop before they flew into the yard.
In the beginning they stayed close to the barnyard, but lately they had been roaming all over the yard.
Every night they would roost side by side in the goat shed.
I always gave them a little pat on their backs during my last rounds of the evening.
They were always together.
Like majorettes in a marching band.
Stealing Doink’s food. Every. Day.
A little afternoon outing to the patio to check out the action.
They loved sitting by the gate when they were young.
There’s not much else to say. Ethel was a good hen. She gave me a perfect white egg every single day, laid in the top of hay feeder. She was a good friend to Lucy. I loved her. I will miss her very much.
This feels so unfair.
(Shared at Simple Saturdays, Homesteaders Hop, Clever Chicks Hop, Homestead Barn Hop, Backyard Farming Connection, Tuesdays With A Twist, Maple Hill Hop, Down Home Hop, Simple Lives Thursday, HomeAcre Hop, From The Farm Hop and Farmgirl Friday)
Oh no! This s so sad. I feel your pain but your words are a nice eulogy for Ethel. Poor Lucy has got to be is shock and at a loss too for her friend.
I DETEST Raccoons and Skunks for exactly that reason. And they destroy in a horrible way. I’m surprised the other hen didn’t get it also. She will tonight…if you don’t lock her up. And set a trap….the ‘coon will be back and back until all your poultry is gone.
❤⊱彡 Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Linda recently posted…The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer on Friday—The Wind Doth Blow
Hey Mama,
I’m sorry for your loss. But in your sorrow, remember you gave Ethel a great life. Don’t know how you got her, but I assume it was through a hatchery somewhere along the road. She did pretty darn good ending up with The Mama!
Keep smiling,
Warm Regards,
CB
City Boy recently posted…Raising Backyard Chickens -Italian Style!
I am sorry for your loss. She seemed like such a character. I enjoy reading about the two adventurous hens.
So sorry!!! I know she was one of your special friends!! She will be missed!! Make sure you set a trap for the coon!! They like tuna fish so set the trap with that!!
It’s been a lonely quiet day here at Happy Mama Acre. Hoping that the name fits again soon. Take care CM. Love, VEHD.
Homer and I are so very sorry to hear about Ethel. We love the stories you tell on your blog and all the stories of Ethel will remain in our hearts. You are a good Mama and we know your animals all love you and thank you for the life they have in your barnyard.
Warm Wishes,
AW and HP
Not your chicken soul sister… 🙁 🙁 🙁
Ohhh I am so sorry to hear about Ethel. I hope Lucy can find another friend.
Teri recently posted…Finally!…Maybe?
I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful hen! Do you think this was what was bothering Doink?
I am a new follower to your blog but chickens are my heart and soul. How was it that Ethel was out that early ? My girls wait for me behind a closed locked door. I have to set an alarm to get up at 7am but I do it. To think that last summer I used a magnet type closing netting door when it was hot. Have to rethink the plans. I know we have raccons in the area and they surely can dig under chicken wire enclosure in nothing flat. You will be in my thoughts along with your other girls. The friend left behind will need you the most.
I’m so sorry! I know she had a good life, but we never want to see our pets go this way!
Hi Joan. I feel your loss and I feel the emptiness that both you and Lucy will be feeling right now. Something similar happened here recently when I lost my beloved Silkie, Golly. A neighbour’s dog got into the yard, and took her. Because of the dark gray of her feathers, I didn’t spot them until the following morning. I spent a rough night calling for her, hoping she would hear my call sound and respond. When I spotted the first of the feathers near my washing line the next morning, the panic I felt is indescribable! I followed the trail to a pile outside the yard. She put up a brave fight, but sadly the odds were against her. I know how you’re feeling. Sending healing hugs your way. mwah heather x
Very sorry for your loss. RIP Ethel.
Oh, so sorry to hear about Ethel. Hope you can keep the rest safe. How sad for all of you.
Oh no, she was gorgeous. Both you and her little sister will miss her so much.
Sending huge hugs x
I’m so sorry, fly high little Ethel xxxx
rachy recently posted…Chicken Fashion!
I’m so sorry Joan. Ethel was a sweet girl who lived a fabulous life with you at happy acre. I know this pain. I lost my Lucy last year to a coon, they are nasty and smart a holes.
I used to leave their small access door open so they could come and go as they pleased. I never saw any predator in at the vineyard house that were small enough to fit so I didn’t worry at all and assumed they were totally safe.
The night Lucy was taken the coon only took her when he could have all of my girls. She was the closest on the roost and I think that’s why. From that night on I locked the side door and guess what… The coon came back every night for a week trying to get in. He couldn’t and finally moved on…
Sending you BIG ((hugs))
Jen recently posted…Not All Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend…
Oh, I’m so, so sorry. I know how special she was to you. Sending hugs your way.
Lori recently posted…Playing With Gouache (and a science lesson)
I am so sorry to hear of this. It’s always heartbreaking when you lose an animal, all the more so when it happens so unfairly.
I’m so terribly sorry to hear this. I’m lucky in that we don’t have to deal with raccoons here in Italy – foxes are the worst I get. Raccoons seem to be one of the most destructive predators. It’s never easy to lose one, especially when they’re as loved as Ethel. Thinking of you and sending {{{Hugs}}}.
I’m so sorry for the heaviness in your heart. So glad that she had a wonderful life with you and her buddy, Lucy.
daisy recently posted…Maple Hill Hop 24
I’m so sorry about Ethel. I’m sure Lucy will miss her terribly as will you. It’s never easy.
lyn moon recently posted…Bouffant hatches some eggs!
I am so sorry to hear about Ethel! How is Lucy taking it? Losing your bestie to a predator is no good.
HUGS to you and Lucy.
Jen
Jen recently posted…Final Barred Owl Update
We have lost two of our hens and it is SO hard! The hens grieve too I think. So sorry!
Lucy recently posted…Cher Concert in Nashville, Music City
Sorry to hear about your girls 🙁 It’s a rotten club to belong to, isn’t it.
I am so sorry, Lucy will be so sad.
Kathy recently posted…The Meeting
I’m so sorry for your loss. Been there, felt that. 🙁 Please give my condolences to Lucy. RIP Ethel.
Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick recently posted…Flock Focus Friday, 4/4/14
Oh – I’m so so sorry. It’s awful to lose any animal, but especially one that you feel so strongly about. We lost our favorite hen this winter as well 🙁
Gretchen recently posted…Defender of Dirt: A Review
I’m so sorry to hear about your pet chicken. 🙁
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