Life and thoughts from a small-scale organic farm . . . and its farmers

This is a blog that explores ideas around the growing of food and community at Glen Valley Organic Farm.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Chickens in the Night


Jeremy, me, and chickens; barreling down the #1 Highway.

The stars peek curiously at us in the early darkness, the moon grins on the horizon.

Who would have thought that I, an urbanite not 3 weeks ago, would be a part of a midnight chicken run."They're Hy-Line Brown" the man had said as I watched, captivated as the chicken catchers in their full body jump suits and loose plastic foot coverings put aside their cigarettes long enough to chase down 300 chickens. Now there's a job I didn't know existed.

The barn sits ready, the new hay and wood shavings still settling in the air from our earlier "interior decorating". It's a pretty swanky place for a chicken, several times the size of my tiny home on the farm (I could take this the wrong way, but instead, comfort myself in the fact that they will each have 299 flatmates).

Soft clucking and an atmosphere of confusion permeate the air as we unload 30 crates into the barn, the chicken's heads poking out the sides like hopeful inmates.I open the first crate and shine my headlamp onto our newest residents. The chickens maintain their positions, side by each in the crate. I had hoped that they would all just, you know, get out when I opened the lid.

The next half hour consists of flying feathers (and chicken poo), squawking, scratching, and attempts to roost on my fingers, arms, and whatever is within claws reach. My visions of a Snow White-like relationship with the animals on the farm slowly melt away.

Finally, the crates lay empty and a quiet sense of relief passes over me (and the chickens) (and Jeremy (although he appears the least ruffled of all of us)).

Not the most bizarre Friday night of my life, but certainly up there.

5 comments:

  1. "My visions of a Snow White-like relationship with the animals on the farm slowly melt away."
    Hi.Larious.

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  2. Great story Cat. And the chicken's digs are pretty luxurious. Now you have to write about the goat cheese making... man, is that good cheese....

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  3. Nice one Cat! Glad you're getting right into it and de-urbanizing quickly. Let me know when you're in town selling some of the farms wares to us city folk.

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  4. Hey Cat. Great job. I was just wondering if you're still doing your hair each day before work???

    Dad

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  5. Hey Chris, I'll be following your blog. Nice entries and food for thoughts on our food system. I am Mathew by the way. Hope Trauma Farm has been somewhat useful than just a dramatic farm fairy tale.

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