Surprise..!

 It was well after dark when I went out to take care of the animals tonight. I stuffed the goats' hay bags full and locked them up safely in their cozy. I checked the little chicken coop and emptied their water bowl so it wouldn't freeze overnight. I peeked in on the big chickens; all eleven of them were calmly nestled on their roost. I locked them in, then went to the side of the coop and lifted the lid that covers the nest boxes. I peered in with my flashlight. The first box has two lovely eggs. The second box had one. I gasped when I glanced into the third box. 

A wee opossum. I closed the lid and hustled back to the house. Rachel had not left for the evening yet and excitedly came out to see. I wasn't quite sure how to proceed, but she didn't hesitate. She took my warm winter gloves from me and reached right into the box, lifting the little thing out. It didn't seem terribly upset by the close contact. 

She gently set it down, and it scurried off across the snow at a rapid rate, disappearing into the darkness. I hope it doesn't come back. I don't want it to get any ideas about my hens, but it was a fun surprise to see it. I don't envy the nearly hairless thing living in this climate, but it seemed healthy and well-fed. May it find shelter and food, but not in my henhouse.