We have lost a dear friend. Pikerel, the hen above, was killed by a predator that got into the chicken coop. She died protecting her daughter, Bumble Chickskin (seen above riding on her mom as a very smol chick).
We have had Pickerel and her sister Pumpkinseed for 10 years, they were hatched out on this property and have been exemplary hens. Pik was always the leader. She and Pumpkinseed laid an egg 5 years ago (don't know which hen did the actual laying) but they shared the brooding, hatching and raising of Bumble and the three have been inseparable for the last 5 years.
The coop can be repaired, but Pikerel can never be replaced. Bumble, Punkin, and I are heartbroken.
Punkin, Bumble and Pikerel ready for bed. Goodnight, Pik, you will be sorely missed. <3