We got back today from picking up the girls from their spring break week in Kentucky with their grandparents (all four of them!). Here are some quick observations on my week without our daughters...
1) I don't get outside as much without them, because there's less reason for me to just wait around for the girls out in the yard.
2) Mowing without them around isn't as fun.
3) Taking care of the chickens without them around isn't as much fun either.
4) The only thing I liked doing outside especially was biking to work, because I wasn't as worried about getting home to the girls ASAP.
We were outside all afternoon: playing with chickens, digging for worms, and we even put the chickens all out in the outdoor coop for an hour or two while I cleaned up the indoor coop (they're still supposed to be kept warm). And it was so wonderful to read and snuggle with the girls again at bedtime. I *think* they missed me more than the chickens, but I didn't really want to test this theory by making them choose...
And one more thing, which I didn't want to say any earlier. We still have 22 chicks, and it is clear that, as expected, several of these are roosters. We have at least another month before there's any crowing, according to the hatchery, but I am starting to wonder: do I merely admire Barbara Kingsolver for her butchering her own turkey-toms? Or am I actually capable of butchering my own dinner? I have easily a month to wrestle with the question, but if anyone near us wants to adopt a rooster, they should start speaking up. The situation is starting to keep me up at night, which is only slightly better than having it wake me (and our suburban neighbors) up early in the morning.
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4 comments:
Oh, you can do it, Nancy. Of course, I have never actually done any killing myself, but I have chopped and wrapped up a moose. I guess it would either turn you completely vegetarian or make you feel more self-sufficient.
Ser-
I really appreciate your confidence in me. I have discovered I have 3 choices now: a humane local butcher called - no joke - Grimm's, a woman who loves birds and has a sanctuary for all types, and of course, learning to do it myself.
Or maybe a combination.
I think you're right that the next step is either vegetarian or a feeling of self-sufficiency. I'm pretty sure I'm not going veg...
Hey Nancy, have you heard from my friend Matt there in PIttsburgh? He is interested in chickens too and I told him to get in touch with you. Anyway, he might have an idea for the roosters too.
I don't think you'll go veg either :)
Eva-
I haven't heard from Matt- definitely have him contact me! Early June would be a good time for a transfer - I should be sure of who's who by then...
Thanks!
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