The young chickens were going to be the inaugural members of Morrill’s backyard flock — that is, if they survived the trip. Although the birds became a source of emotional support and respite from pandemic stressors, protecting them from dangers such as predators has at times felt like an impossible task. Beyond keeping the surviving chicks nourished, Morrill said she cuddled the chickens — all named after iconic women in music — daily. ADADAlthough existing research has largely focused on more traditional pets, she said, “raising chickens can provide an incredible amount of emotional support.” Plus: “Chickens have their own little personalities. Predators are “thinking this is prime real estate.”As she grieves, Morrill is trying to help the surviving chickens recover from the attack.

Source: Washington Post March 29, 2021 14:01 UTC