I’ve mentioned in prior posts that we live semi-rural. We love it, and it gives Lola plenty of room to explore without the usual neighborhood concerns; cars, pavement and weirdos.

One of the things I like best about living out of the city is that we have 5 chickens, all hens. They are wonderful companions as well as voracious bug eaters. This never really entered my circle of concern before, but when you live “out” like this, the bugs are poised to strike a coup. I am a believer in respect for all life, so when we lived in the city, if I found a bug in the house, I would pick it up and carefully put it outside. If it was a *big* bug, my husband would be summoned to do my dirty work for me.

I still like to think I respect all life, just not all life that wants to inhabit my house, uninvited. Here is where the chickens enter in. In the 8 months that we’ve had them, they have systematically rid our property of nearly all the creepy crawly things I take umbrage with. I’m certain there are multitudes of bugs around that I don’t see, and thats ok, what I don’t know won’t hurt me, but if you’re going to hang around my windows or skitter across my floor....you’re chicken food!

In addition to being eating machines, these creatures give back in the *most* magical way.





Every day, Lola and I go out and check the hen house for eggs, and every day we “find” 3 or 4, just laying there, waiting for us to scoop them up and turn them into something tasty. When I hold a freshly laid egg in my hand, I get a sense of wonderment. These little ladies trot around my yard doing me the favor of bug (and occasional mouse) elimination and then they go the extra mile and leave me a gift to boot!

Chickens aren’t for everyone, but they are charming to view on the landscape and easily compatible with children. We are teaching Lola a reverence for all life, and in her book, the chickens are highly revered!