Decisions

Raising chickens is fun and relaxing, but when you raise them for eggs and meat, there comes a time when decisions have to be made.  It's the part I don't like.  My chickens are my pets to some degree, but they are also farm animals that have a purpose.  We have some that indeed are our pets and will be with us until they perish of natural causes.  The rest serve a purpose on our farm.  They provide my family with eggs and meat.  They live a good life and I know what goes into them that then goes into feeding my family.  They are processed humanely and we appreciate their sacrifice to feed us.  We are blessed to be able to have them and provide good food for our family.

When I first started with chickens, I had no idea I would become so hooked and that they would also provide us with peace and entertainment.  There's something to be said about just going out and spending time with them.  They are not only calming but also quite comical.  They have provided us with many laughs over the past 6 years.

This past year produced way more roosters than we need and now it has come time to cull a few more.  We processed a few about a week or so ago, and I was hoping to be able to keep the other two, but it looks like they will have to go too.  Maybe someday I can have a rooster sanctuary where I can keep a few extras, but not for now.  My heart breaks a little when I get so attached, but I also realize all the more how much I appreciate their provision for our family.

Hello Dolly

Here's my buddy, Dolly, again.  She just loves to jump up on my shoulder or back while I clean the coop.  She wanted to share a selfie today so I obliged, LOL.  She is the sweetest thing and so petite right now.  She is a Brahma mix. so I suspect that over the next year or so she will grow fairly large.  Brahma's are definitely slow to mature and fill out, but they are so beautiful when they do.  Her sister is I believe an Easter Egger mix and not quite as friendly, but cute nonetheless.  I think I created a monster because it is cute to a point that she likes to jump up on me and spend time with me.  Not so cute and fun when she has poopy feet!!

Spring is Around the Corner

Spring is most certainly almost here!  A few weeks ago the starlings were flocking in large numbers and now I see this.  This lonely dandelion flower in the midst of nothing.  I did not see any others anywhere else.  We have had a mild winter but the cold has reared its ugly head this past week.  We are back to winter temps and weather for a little bit, but last week this lone dandelion peeked through.

I know for us, once the Robins come out you know spring is really here, but for now, this tiny ray of sunshine was nice to see in the gloomy, shadowy days we have had lately.  I don't think I have ever seen a dandelion flower in January before.  It was unique and welcoming.

Looking forward to spring, sunshine, and new life in the chicken/duck yard.  What is your favorite season?  My favorite is the fall, but you just can't beat the sunny days after a bleak winter when spring is here.  Blessings to you.