The Chicken Herder

This morning Quackie, Mr. Rooster and our only surviving hen were out of their pen roaming the backyard near our house. Angel and I went outside and Quackie started quacking very loudly. The hen and the rooster didn't care that we were nearby (they are very tame and used to us) but Quackie was being very protective.

The hen came into the patio area without fear and she poked about the plants in search of a tasty bug. The hen never glanced at us with any fear or concern even though Angel was right there and was cautiously looking at her with her head down low, ready to pounce on the hen at any moment. (Angel always leaves them alone and never chases them)

Quackie was concerned for the hen's safety and fearlessly waddled her way into the patio while quacking loudly the entire way as she watched us with confidence and an "I mean business" attitude. She seemed to be scolding the hen for being too close to us but the hen didn't care and she ignored Quackie.

It was inspiring to see that Quackie was tending her "flock" just as Jesus would tend to his flock. He tends his flock like a shepherd. - Isaiah 40:11

When the hen started to wander from the patio, Quackie began to quack very loudly again. She seemed to be herding up the hen as the hen eventually joined Mr. Rooster on the lawn and Quackie guided them from behind as she herded them towards the chicken pen.

Angel slowly tip toed towards them (if a dog is able to tip toe, but you get the picture!) with her head down low as though the chase would begin at any moment. To protect the hen and Mr. Rooster, Quackie quacked very loudly as she turned away from them and slowly waddled off in the other direction while glancing back to see if Angel was following her instead of her "flock" which she was "tending."

It was interesting to see this interaction between these wonderful animals of different species from God's animal kingdom. What an amazing, tangible demonstration of the loving care that a shepherd as Jesus would have, in tending his flock with protection and love. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. - John 10:11

Apparently a good "duck shepherd" would also be willing to lay down her life for the chicken flock she was tending to.

note: Angel left them all alone, and Quackie returned to "herding" them back to the chicken pen.