Our Lost Connection to the Farm

Over the generations, our families have slowly drifted away from farm life and the miracles and lessons of life that can be realized there.

Most people will only see farm animals on television, in books or for short "visitations".  That is sad for life on a farm shows another side of the world that most of us will never see.

Whether your farm raises cattle and horses or just a few chickens and ducks such as I do, the lessons are plentiful and pertinent to living!  I have raised cows, horses, goats and a variety of fowl.  Each animal has its own challenges but each has many benefits. 

Even those living on small properties can keep chickens if zoning allows it so today I will concentrate on those fine feathered friends.

Who would think that raising a few chickens would have much to teach a family.  I have raised chickens for years and honestly, they are more interesting than most would ever believe.  I allow some of the hens to sit on and hatch their own eggs and watching a hen care for and guide a clutch of chicks is truly amazing. 

The hens cluck different tones depending on the circumstances.  If I am approaching, or the dogs are approaching she will give a more panicked series of clucks which the chicks easily interpret as danger is approaching and head for the protection of their mom.  If I have thrown feed out, or if the hen finds feed, she will give an excited cluck which signals the chicks to hurry over and eat whatever is available. 

The "hey I found food" call is also used by roosters to call their hens.  I often throw out an apple core or some other morsel of food and if a rooster arrives there first, he will NOT eat it but will signal for the hens and even the chicks to come eat.  It's truly impressive.

I remember watching cartoons from the 60s and 70s which often had hen, chicks and a rooster and the creators of these cartoons did their research.  The hens, roosters and chicks are exceptionally characterized in many of these short works. 

There is so much more to write about this subject and I will continue to delve into this subject but generally my point is that there is so much to observe and learn from the activities of a small farm and it is sad that so many will never have a chance to see this!

Bob