Meg is missing most of the feathers from her back, pulled off by the fox just before he was interrupted by Simon charging. We locked Meg in the barn, thinking she would stay there and be still, but she hopped over a six foot wall, made her way to the rear of the barn and hopped out an open window. For good measure, she laid an egg.

Meg is not into struggle stories, or post-traumatic stress. She hopped right into the donkey feeder and came running to us, squawking for food. She stayed out for most of the day, went in when she was good and ready. Okay by us. I did some reading on animal trauma last night – some interesting behavioral stuff. Animals are believed to process trauma in a particularly unique way – almost literally by shaking it off.  They release the energy of trauma, it is believed. They do not experience emotional trauma as humans do, that is they do not experience anger, regret, rage. I understand that many people believe they react emotionally the same way people do, but I do not believe that.

The behaviorists believe that animals react very strongly physically to trauma, shutting down, altering their nervous system,  projecting different moods and responses, pumping adrenaline through their system, taking their time to heal. Meg walked over the very spot where she was attacked. Chickens are not as complex as most domestic pets, yet I have seen my dogs react to trauma in similiar ways, especially if it is not chronic.

Still, Meg is not into struggle stories and does not seem fazed in the least. We are disinclined to coop her up for too long, as she is such an energetic and mobile spirit. We’ll see. She had quite a great day, though, one day after she was nearly eaten alive and chased all over the farm. We did get her back in the barn after a few hours, luring her there with birdseed.