Oh some of them have their excuses. Bernie and Nina were molting through September. The white Silkies went broody for five weeks and sat diligently if pointlessly in an empty nest because hormones told them to. The chicks are just barely six months old and their apparatus are only just slipping into gear. The Black Marans are skittish and get pecked by the big girls when they try to scurry up to the nesting boxes.  The light is waning and depletes their urge to lay. And admittedly Athena is a rooster. 

But one? For a flock of twenty three birds? If the continuation of the chicken race were up to them we would be sunk. 

Fortunately the protein intake of Odhners does not solely fall on their sloping shoulders, but I have missed my warm breakfast. The daily production has rumbled from three to five with a very sporadic six since the middle of August and I am not amused.  Considering my bills at the feed store Premium Organic Free Range Certified Hormone Free Vegetarian Fed No GMO All Natural Eggs from the health food store would be a bargain. 

Hope and Aurelle are quick to come to their defense. 

"We love them! They cuddle with us and are so cute dust bathing and pecking in the yard. Dogs and cats don't give you anything and people still want them. Here, hold a Silkie."

Shrug. They are soft, and it is pretty cute to have them cluster around my legs when I come out with leftover macaroni and bread. But there is this Big Thing Hanging in the air like a lime green balloon.

I have tenaciously clung to the belief that if I built a coop and fill it with wood shavings and boxes, give them pellets and fresh water every day, shield them from raccoons and foxes, pad their dormitory with extra hay in the winter, shovel out the poop and give them time to hunt for bugs I would be rewarded with warm little orbs. Which we have for the past year. It was glorious and the girls and I took joy in recording each little egg on a chart, which is why I know without guessing how bad it has gotten. 

Just to tease us this week one of the hens gifted us with an egg without a shell. The yolk flopped inside the thin membrane, creepily like an eye. I increased the supplement of oyster shells.

Talking to them about it has no effect, nor does coaxing, bribing, scolding, or pleading. The only factor that is vaguely alterable is my attitude. So I scoop a chicken into my lap and let her nibble the crusts of my sandwich. 

Marriage comes with its own package of expectations. If you follow the party line about communication and quality time you will have all your needs met, right? Go out to a nice restaurant and both of you will start talking and smiling, don't ya think? 

But there are times when marriage just comes up empty. The feelings seem to be hibernating, the warmth has slipped away. Nothing new is being born. 

This weekend I guess I will trek out to the feed store, since the layer pellet can is running low. And before I leave I will have cereal for breakfast.