I told my dad and stepmom last week that I would be chicken farming for a week. My stepmom’s immediate reply was “poor chickens!” If I hadn’t just written about what a poor choice I was for any kind of animal care, I might have protested profusely. Unfortunately for me, I had just shared with the world all the reasons I was not a good choice for chicken sitting – see Chicken Farming, Part I, if you missed it, for details.
Just for Cindy's Chickens
A really sweet gig
Cindy read Chicken Farming, Part I, and asked me how many times I have taken care of her chickens. While I don’t know the exact number of times – because who would have ever thought this was going to be such a successful gig for me that I would need to count the number of times I would do it? – I do know that I started this chicken-sitting adventure in January 2017. I usually chicken farm once or twice a year for Cindy, but there have been last-minute cancellations a couple times, so my best guess is 10. So, for you doubters out there – I’m looking at you, Rita (smile) – I CAN take care of chickens when I agree to do so. I WANT to take care of chickens once or twice a year specifically for Cindy.
Why just for Cindy’s chickens? It’s a really sweet gig, and when I say “sweet,” I mean sweet! She stocks the kitchen with dairy-free food, a lot of which is sweet – dairy-free frozen dessert, dark chocolate almond milk, dairy-free chocolate bars, and Oreos, just to name a few. She also leaves me a homemade baked good (or sometimes even goods!). She’s a fantastic cook and a fantabulous baker, so I’m in dairy-free heaven when I go to Cindy’s. I don’t chicken farm just for the food though.
Location, Location, Location
Chirps and Croaks
I also chicken farm for Cindy because her place is out in the country, so I get a different view on life since my normal perspective is of my town’s power plant and water tower, two blocks from city hall and two blocks from the high school. At Cindy’s, I get to be close to nature, I get to see sunrises and sunsets, and I get to relax on the back deck listening to chirps and croaks. Her place is also a little closer to my work, and it is NOT west of work, so I don’t have to fight the sun going to and away from the workplace. When I chicken farm for Cindy, I get paid to be on a mini-retreat!
In addition to the food and the location, I enjoy chicken farming for Cindy because her chickens live in a pretty good place. Now, having only the experience of chicken farming for Cindy, I’m no expert on chicken coops, but I can spot a sweet set-up when I see one – inexperience doesn’t necessarily mean unaware. The chicken coop is cute and clean. The steps to take care of the chickens are clear and easy to follow. In fact, the instructions clearly state that if chickens should get out of their fenced-in area, “don’t panic.”
Don't Panic!
Fate of the chickens
Until this week’s chicken farming session, a chicken had never escaped on my watch. I have been a very careful chore completer because when I commit to something, I take my duties very seriously. Alas, I must have had a not-so-serious moment on Thursday morning because one of the red hens saw an opportunity to enjoy some free time outside the coop and fenced-in area. The first thing I said to myself was “don’t panic.” See. I follow directions very well. I finished the particular task I was working on, shot a few pics of the wayward hen with my phone and then tried to figure out how to get her back in where she belongs. She came back in the coop in a little while, and I was still able to make it to work on time. Miracles happen every day on the chicken farm!
Definitely Worth It!
Chicken farming heaven
In explaining what she was initially looking for in a chicken sitter, Cindy said, “I wanted it to be ‘worth it’ or ‘fun’ for the person doing it, too. I think I've found my person!!” I’m not finished with this session of chicken farming yet, but I have successfully taken care of the chickens each time so far. They love me, or rather the food I bring them. I love them. I love chicken farming for all the reasons I mentioned and more. So, if you happen to see me later this week, please don’t pay any attention to the sweet weight I gained; I’m just returning from chicken farming heaven!
Sending you miracles from the chicken farm,
Angela Jane
P.S. To view more chicken farming photos, visit the Chicken Farming 2023 gallery.