Make yourself at home

Um, Helen. I'm so glad you decided to stay in our yard. But it's raining, don't you want to go in the coop with the other chickens?

Well, usually they don't watch me through the kitchen window. They just go peck stuff in the yard. Besides, it's almost bedtime. You need to get yourself a good spot on the roost.

What do you mean, "I'd like to go onto the screened-in porch?" Helen, that's where the baby chickens sleep. You're a big girl now. Yes, I know you used to sleep on the porch at your old house. But that was an open porch by the back door.

Oh, all right. Just this once. Tomorrow night you're going back in the coop.

Um, Helen. You can go to sleep now. You're not coming into the house, honey. Stop pacing.

Now, listen, Helen. Chickens are not allowed in our house.

Excuse me. We're going to eat dinner now and when I get back, I expect you to be roosting on the bar over the chicks, like you did the other night.

Hey! Who left the back door open? Probably the dog, when he came in. Helen? Helen? Where are you? Well, great, you probably went back to the neighbor's yard. Good luck not getting another dart shot at you. Dumb chicken. Now I'll just go up the back staircase to our bedroom and---

YIKES!

Helen. Sweetie. Even though this is a not a finished staircase, it leads to a finished bedroom. INSIDE OUR HOUSE. I'm sorry, but we have to draw the line somewhere. No chickens in the house.

[Here, I put Helen outside on the roost and firmly close the door. Instantly she is back pacing at the back door. My husband, finding this hysterical, opens the door. She barges in, brushes past him and goes back upstairs in a huff.]

Helen. Now you are technically IN OUR BEDROOM.

However, I understand you've been through a rough patch lately. Oh, all right. You can spend the night there, but I'm going to put a towel under you.

The whole elementary school will be talking about this tomorrow. You're lucky we're softhearted people, Helen.

G'night, Helen.

Comments

[Jane]

That was silly and sweet!Will you post again when she climbs under the covers?

[Jenn]

I probably wouldn't think it was so funny if there was a chicken making a home invasion at our house, but I can't stop laughing at this!

[Norma]

Yup, I'm thinking the next favorite roost will be the head or foot of your bed. Oy. That is just too funny.

[Laura]

You are such a softie. :)

Really cute pictures!

[Lindy]

I suspect that we will soon be seeing photos of helen and sophie fighting for your husband's attention.
Helen knows that she's landed with a family of softies.

[Scout]

How funny! And you know what? I lived in Vermont from 1976-1990 and I don't think I knew ANYONE with a pool!!! Why couldn't I have been your neighbor when I lived there!?

[Laura]

Oh my gosh!!!! what a great giggle this morning. hehe

[Claudia]

Ohhh I think I love Helen! :-)

[Katy]

That is Too.Funny. Your daughter is going to love telling this story!

[janna]

A house chicken! You have a house chicken! So cute!

[Heide]

I love Helen! Chickens are funny creatures. My ladies' were coralled back into their pen today. As much as I adore them, I was NOT amused when they got into my strawberries and cabbages. Especially following our discussion prior to the offense. Can't wait to see what you spin up from all of the lovely fleece.

[emmy]

Oh MY! Gotta love Helen, That is one tenacious chickie! WHERE will she roost next? Can't wait to find out.

[Joanne]

I'm just reading this and, yes, I am laughing! She fits right in, doesn't she? And, Helen knows she's got it good. Let me know when she starts watching TV.

[stephanie]

Helen is definately my favorite chicken of all time.

[Stephy]

Aww--that's so sweet!

That Helen is one plucky chick.

(please don't tell her I said that)

[Roxanne]

Hi,

You guessed the right address. Great story and pictures.

[Carol]

I didn't see this one! She does make a really cute houseguest though!