Saturday 28 February 2009

Empty Nest

For work and because of the threat of fire where we live I spent the last couple of days in Melbourne, while PJ worked in Sydney. We picked up Z and now the three of us are home and happy.

Earlier in the week the worst sound in the world was the incessant sirens of the fire engines on their way to the nearby blaze. 

Today the worst sound in the world is my own voice, unanswered by our five chicks and two beautiful hens. When I left for the train station early on Thursday morning I made the executive decision not to lock the chooks up. In case there was a fire, I liked the idea that they would smell the smoke or feel the radiant heat and escape to some place safe.

I am sorry to say that my decision killed them. Not by fire, but by fox.

This morning before I met PJ at the airport shuttle bus, I went to see The Water Hole exhibition at ACCA, which I loved. I'm not sure you can see from this photo but the discarded plastic water bottles form a giant nest on which sit dozens of abandoned eggs. 

To these birds that were born into the leftovers of our consumerables, and to our seven birds that were consumed, I say I'm sorry.

7 comments:

farmdoc said...

Oh what a heart rending tale, LOM. I know how attached you were to your chooks and chicks. You were damned if you did, and damned if you didn't, lock them away. It's awful when the decision you thought was best for them, wasn't. xx

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm so sorry Meg. :(

Petrus Spronk said...

Like you, enjoying my three black chooks, the Supremes, and also living in the forest nearby, I can understand your dilemma and pain. I decided to stay, but would do what you did had I to leave. They may still return, mine did after three days leave.......

Doily said...

Oh Meg! Thats terrible news! Im sure there were many others faced with the same decision. I think you still did the right thing, your intent was always to keep them safe.

P.S I will be upwind of the bush on Tues if there are anyother animal sanctuary seekers then.

Meg said...

I hope you're right and they return soon, Petrus. I keep looking out the window at their coop out of habit.

tealotus77 said...

Oh LOM! I am so so sorry about the chooks. I will wish them safe home in their wandering. Be safe. My thoughts are with you. xx

Anonymous said...

this is freakin sad