This week, we finally said farewell to Princess Layer, our oldest hen. Princess arrived pre-Covid, part of my very first batch of hens. From the start, she knew exactly who she was. She served as the perfect second-in-command to our Head Hen, Henrietta—the enforcer, the disciplinarian, the one who made sure everyone else stayed in line. A look here, a sharp peck there, and order was restored.
When Henrietta passed, Princess stepped seamlessly into leadership. She ruled with confidence, guarded her flock fiercely, and took her responsibilities seriously. Interlopers from next door were not welcome, especially if food was involved. This was her domain, and she made that very clear.
Princess lived life on her own terms. She hated being dictated to, and I quickly learned that persuasion worked far better than force. Calling her over and offering food was a much wiser approach than trying to pick her up and move her—Princess knew exactly how to use her beak and claws to make her feelings known. Independence wasn’t just part of her personality; it was her personality.
At the ripe old age of eight, Princess went blind overnight. I truly thought that was the beginning of the end. Instead, it marked a surprising new chapter. For weeks, I hand-fed her, and in doing so, earned her trust completely. She accepted whatever I offered, calmly and without fuss.
We separated her from the main flock to keep her safe, but she wasn’t alone. Pumpkin, her best friend, stayed with her. Together, they adapted. Princess recovered remarkably well, bustling around with Pumpkin at her side, preening, pottering… and even continuing to lay eggs.
And then came her final day.
Almost her very last act was to lay an egg.
Right to the end, Princess did what she had always done. She showed up. She fulfilled her role. She lived fully, purposefully, and without surrendering to circumstance.
There’s something quietly powerful in that.
Princess Layer reminds us that purpose doesn’t disappear just because life changes. That keeping busy, staying engaged, and continuing to contribute, however that looks in each season of life, is a beautiful way to live. She didn’t give up when things became difficult. She adapted, trusted, and carried on being herself for as long as she could.
We should all be more Princess. Live life to the full. Keep going. Be who you are, right to the very end.
Thank you, Princess.
Chicken Nuggets 