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.