If I Don’t Love Chickens, Then Please Explain This
On April 14, 2022 by MaryI’ve never really been a fan of chickens. Some people see them as the most adorable creatures God ever made, give them kisses, bake them gourmet treats, and let them in the house. I am not some people.
Before we had our homestead, I thought that maybe once we had chickens of our own, I’d somehow grow to love them. I’d be the farmer lady with her 5 dozen chickens, and start buying poultry-themed decor for the house.
Nope. It’s not happening. They are still just farm animals to me. They have creepy dinosaur feet and make jerky movements. The way they fly up into your face freaks me out every time. And let’s not forget about that permanent crazed look in their eyes.
All that being said…
I still go outside to say hello to them multiple times a day.
I clean out their coop every week, and ensure they always have fresh water and feed.
My phone is full of pictures and videos of them.
I worry about the coyotes getting into their coop at night.
I talk to them. And ask how they’re doing.
Every time we go to Tractor Supply or Rural King, I walk down the chick aisle.
I have started to make fermented feed for them to keep them healthy.
I’m drawing up plans for a fun, awesome new coop for them.
My Instagram and blog posts often feature chicken pictures.
In short…
I guess I’m left feeling a bit confused. If I’m not a crazy chicken lady, what am I? Why do I invest so much time and energy into these birds when, honestly, they kind of weird me out? Is there a name for such a person? So many questions.
I thought about it for a while, and I think I came up with at least one answer. Despite the fact that I don’t claim the crazy chicken lady title, I do know one thing: I am raising the next generation of chicken lovers.
I don’t particularly like them, but I’m still teaching my children to take care of them. And in the process, they’ve discovered a love for them all on their own.
That’s half the reason we’re doing all this homesteading stuff, really- to raise our kids in a place where they can learn, grow, and explore God’s creation every day. Having chickens around brings them so much joy, makes them laugh, and teaches them responsibility.
I can certainly put up with weird feet and crazed looks for that.
That’s the best reason 😊.
You dont have to love farm animals as you would a family pet. After all, you’ll probably cook and eat them 😁 But great for the kids to enjoy and have fun with for sure !