Every day is like an Easter egg hunt around here. I thought I had found all of their hiding spots, but then I noticed this hen. Quite clever. This is what is under her:
I decided to let her set on them. We could use some younger hens and some more roosters for meat.
In sadder news, I had to euthanize two older hens today. Tom has always had this task in the past, but he has been working long hours, and I could not see them suffering any longer so I took care of it. It is a first for me. I have not wanted to do it because of the emotional issues involved but also because I did not feel competent at doing it correctly and causing more suffering. Tom grew up on a farm and has hunted since before I met him so has knowledge of these things. He still hates to do it but at least knows what he is doing. So I finally did the deed today twice, and it went OK. I am kind of a wreck, but they are not suffering any more. So I am finally a farmer. It kind of sucks.
I’m not a farmer yet…. 🙁
Well Michelle, I got my first chickens in 1997 so it has taken me 19 years.
I’ve had to put a badly injured chicken out of it’s misery, and it was hard. Felt like I didn’t know what I was doing, but had to do something. It really does suck.
So you know what it feels like. At least it is over and hopefully I will not have to do it for a long time.
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The Shepherd has always taken care of that Chore- if I had to kill my own meat, I’d probably be a vegetarian. Ha.
He brought home a half flat of strawberries from Boxx’s yesterday. They are truly heaven in a box. Those first of the year berries – it’s a taste that keeps you going all year long, don’t you think?
So how is this mama chicken doing – I can’t remember how long it takes to hatch out chicks. I bet it will be fun to have the babies running around.
We’re not going to Black Sheep this year – At first, I thought I’d miss it, but now, not so much.
Take care – hope your back pain goes away. T.
I haven’t participated in the past but need to now. I have not had any strawberries yet, but need to! My back is somewhat better but still hurts. Not sure how long this is going to take. I am not going to Black Sheep this year, most likely. My back and decreased wages contribute to this decision. The mama chicken is doing fine but still no chicks. I need to look up the hatching time too as I forgot. Hopefully they are not duds. I hope you both are doing well.
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