Opal's Grand Entrance: A Nightly Coop Drama on Our Cozy Homestead

Every night I watch my girls head into the coop… except one. Every night, Opal decides to test my blood pressure like it’s her personal hobby. Five of my ladies: Already inside, already on the roost, already behaving like civilized poultry. And then there’s Opal. I check the run camera and she’s standing on the porch like she’s filming a dramatic season finale. Just staring at the door. Waiting. Plotting. Daring it to close. Meanwhile, the commentary inside the coop goes something like: Hazel: “Where is she. Why is she like this.” Mabel: “She wants attention. Don’t give it to her.” Winnie: “I swear if she takes my spot again…” Bea: “I’m not moving. She can sit on the floor.” Gerdi: “I’ll chase her. Say the word.” Me: “I swear, girl! You better get your fluffy butt in that door!” And Opal - OUTSIDE - fluffing her feathers like: “I will enter when the moment is right. The vibes must be correct. The universe must align.” Then, one minute before the door closes, she finally strolls in like: “Your queen has arrived. You may proceed.” This is the same girl that spent the night as a feathered gargoyle in the windowsill of the run while I was miles away at the lake. You’d think she’d be the first in the coop. But no…I think she just enjoys the suspense.