A Very Fowl Wednesday...
- eschaden
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
I have had chickens a lot in my life. A lot. I haven’t had any in a few years because I just didn’t have time for them. This new, slower life pace renewed my interest in having them again. To be present at home and to keep a flock. I think it is also no accident that I want them again because my own chicks are flying the coop as we speak. Stupid phrase because chickens do not really fly. They can launch, but flying is not something they do.
Anyway, I digress.
My dream life of a small little farm, with lavender, chickens, goats, a couple alpacas and horses is likely not ever going to happen. I mean, it is still possible, but unlikely at this stage of my life. I have learned to never say never but currently I think the only thing I am really going to ever farm is cats. Currently have and maintain a cat ranch and happy to report all are doing quite well.
When my kids were little, we got baby chicks often, we had quite the flock. And some of my best memories with my kids was laying in our front yard with our minute chickens and loving on them. Watching them literally pass out in our hands. Watching the tenderness and love emanating from my kids to these tiny little babies - my babies caring for smaller, more delicate babies...
So I guess it makes sense that I am missing those times and that has engendered a willingness to get chickens again. I am home, I have the time, and I prefer to spend my times with animals over people any day.
I know I can’t recreate the times with my kids. Those days are over. But I can rekindle the memories while recreating new memories.
The coop is ready!
The brooder is ready!
And the chicks are here!
Yesterday I was so excited to go to the Post Office and pick up my babies. When I got there, I knew immediately that it was a total loss. No sound. Chicks always make sound. I was so upset. All eight little souls lost. I called the company, got my refund and refused a reorder because I couldn’t participate in another fatality.
I cried a little. Said some prayers. My God, have I said a lot of prayers for chickens in my life! And yesterday I said 8 of them for the little babies that did not ever make it.
I got busy making calls and then just did what I should have done to begin with - went to my local feed stores and bought local chicks. And am now the proud attendant to a small but exclusive flock. The naming shall come later when their personalities are further developed...
I may not ever get to fulfill my dream to be an actual farmer, but I can manage backyard chickens. And I cannot stop my children from growing up and away, but I can indulge myself this one gift that recreates for me a simpler time when my kids were small and life was quite different than it is today. Chickens are some of the best teachers of the impermanence of life and that every moment counts. A good reminder any day.
Again, still...
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