by Kelli Bowen
If you are looking for the gateway drug of livestock, look no further than chickens. This time of year, the dealers are out, and the pressure is on. You have to keep your mind clear.
We have our flock of nine: eight hens and one very proud-of-himself silkie rooster. We’re moving our flock from their little coop to a bigger home in the next few weeks, and then we will get some more chicks to increase numbers (and because baby chicks are so dang cute).
About a week ago, Miss E and I were getting chicken feed at a popular feed store, and the peep, peep, peep of chicks greeted us as we entered. Miss E went to them like a fly to a bug zapper. “Can we get some?” “They have Easter Eggers?” “They’re on sale!” “I have my own money?” All the stops were pulled out for my little chicken addict to get her fix.
I explained that once we moved our flock to their new home, we could set up a brooder and get chicks. We aren’t set up for them now. She didn’t like the answer, but understood, and we left with feed and no chicks.
The next day, my girlfriend called me: “I’m at <popular feed store>, and they have chicks. Can I get Miss E and Miss A one for Easter?”
“Put the chick down. I repeat: put the chick down. I know where you are. I was standing there yesterday. We are not set up for chicks. I will get some chicks once we get the flock moved. I appreciate you thinking of the girls. Do NOT buy them chicks today.”
“But they’re SO darling” she persisted “and they’re on sale.”
“Oh, those marketing wizards. We can have some in two weeks. The store gets deliveries every week….why are you looking at chicks anyway?”
“We are talking about getting chickens, but we are not set up yet,” she stated.
“Perfect. You understand our situation, then. Don’t get any chicks today, and THANK YOU for asking first.” Satisfied we weren’t getting fluffy-butt peepers delivered to our house by a well-meaning friend, I went back to my day.
Just like the autumn zucchini wars, this time of year, there are chicks around every corner. Don’t be fooled by their cuteness; they are really a livestock gateway drug, and sometimes you’ve got to “just say no.”
Until you’re set up properly, then get ALL the babies!!!
Kelli, a North Dakota girl through and through, has made her home from the eastern prairies to the western badlands with her supportive Hubby, two daughters, and ever-growing menagerie accompanying her along the way.