Roosters, Rabbits and the Way Things Are

Roosters. They come in all sorts of sizes, colors, and configurations.

We have had small flocks of chickens and roosters through the years.

The rooster tries to herd his flock, keeping them together and he watches for anything threatening.

One funny thing I've noticed, the roosters are acknowledged as the leader and protector of their flocks, yet...

Even though the rooster tries to do all he can to keep his girls safe, I've often seen in such flocks hens who seem to delight in—I'm not sure what to call it—breaking the rules? Going her own way?

In watching this it can be rather funny. Mr. Rooster has his flock all within a certain area, eating food and foraging like they ought, and one hen will dart out of bounds.

To this Mr. Rooster will leave the flock, go get the wayward hen and bring her back. They will go a bit further, and the silly bird will dart out on her own again.

To which Mr. Rooster goes after her again. It always appears to be the same one, although on occasion a couple of other hens will wander off together on a shopping spree.

***

The same summer we brought the puppy home from the farmer's market I got demoted. That year (young) Old Fuzzy and I would each go to separate markets to sell our vegetables and baked goods. It went well that way...most of the time.

But then I brought home the puppy. A week or so later I brought home three or four rabbits. We had talked about rabbits, but it was a 'someday' idea. It just so happened however, that someone brought rabbits to the market at which I was at and the rest was history.

Young Old Fuzzy did locate a neighbor who was agreeable to getting rid of his rabbit hutches and feeders. It wasn't horribly difficult, but it wasn't what Old Fuzzy had planned for after the markets that day.

After scrambling around to find the rabbit items, and the feed, we did get the rabbits set up and contentedly established in their new accommodations.

After bringing a couple of interesting things along this line home, I found myself at home instead of at a market. Now, it may have been just happenstance, but Old Fuzzy may have thought he was nipping things in the bud.

Ha! I have talent in abundance. I can get into trouble pretty much anywhere. We had moved into a new house, and I wanted one of those round herb gardens. I was going to lay it out in a wagon wheel design with areas divided by bricks or pretty rocks...

So, Old Fuzzy is at a farmer's market thinking everything is under control, and I'm at home. I've gotten an electric fence stake, a long string about the length I want my circle to be and I begin making a round circle.

When he gets home, what to his wondering eyes should appear, but his wife and several kids (and a dog) digging in a circle with a shovel in the clay deposits left from the house diggings. In the front yard.

When he said, 'you know, I do have a tiller?' I thought those were the most wonderful words. Digging in clay is not real fun nor is it easy.

He's probably wondered several things through the years. Things like 'what happened?' and other things which, being a wise person he's never voiced.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 "I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live. 13) And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. 14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear before him."