Free as a Bird
October 22nd, 2009 | Author: Shannon
In May 2008, I made a $32.00 investiment in 8 chicks; six chickens and two roosters. At first they lived in a plastic container in the living room with a heat lamp; there was a constant peeping chicks in the house. Then we moved them to the basement and into a plastic kiddy pool given to us by Erin (who was my biggest cheerleader through this process).
When the chicks became birdies flying around the basement, we moved them outside to this lovely A-frame chicken tractor my dear husband built for me. Feeding the chickens became one of our morning family chores. (I have since lost the plans for this chicken tractor, and would modify it to include wheels and an extended chicken run).
In November of 2008, they laid their first eggs. I remember feeling that this chicken business was really faith in action; for six months we fed these animals, with total confidence that they would produce for us; and then they did!
Here’s the J-man as a very happy chicken farmer.
I had always dreamed of chickens roaming the yard free as birds; however our chicken tractor seemed more practical because we live near a pond where foxes and other predators abound; last week I decided to run the risk of loosing a few chickens and now they are scavenging freely in our backyard.
I enjoy looking out the window watching as they peck away at the ground and run after bugs flying by; it is a pleasure to hear them scratching in the woods or running for cover when hawks fly by. We do run the risk of loosing them, I’d miss ‘em too, but at some point their happiness is important too.
As a mother, I am constantly weighing the risks; do I let him climb that high? Can he check the mail alone? What if he cuts himself with the scissors or falls over on the shovel?
I like taking risks, it’s terrifying in some ways, but I’d prefer to live free as a bird then cooped up in a fearful mind. So I let my chickens and my son take risks too.
How do you free yourself from fear? What have you been keeping cooped up that might benefit from some free-ranging?
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Shannon -
This is really lovely. I can remember early chicken adventures with you – someday soon we’ll have to uncover the slides and look at pictures of you and your first coop.
We were having a conversation about chickens the other night and I sent this posting along to several other chicken people.
How Cool and Fun! I want chickens!
I agree….. lovely!
Having my own chickens is one of my dreams. Our current yard won’t accommodate them, but maybe one day.
As for freeing myself from fear, I think I have been keeping my real ambitions cooped up forever. Saying them out loud, or even just admitting them to myself, is where I am right now. It’s not much, but it feels very big, and I believe that it is an important first step.
I love that the yard chicken movement has really taken off. How fun (and healthy!) for your family. Thanks for sharing your story. Cheers- Bethe
Chickens are cool, though, just maybe, I like ducks better. Sadly they’re not allowed in my neighborhood, either of them.
Thanks so much for the little poem and for nominating the Porcupine as favorite backyard wildlife animal
Hi Shannon. What a wonderful article! I think giving your kids measured freedom is in their best interests. Boy those eggs look yummy!
[...] am sort of a “free range parent” I previously posted about allowing my son to take [...]