Being a Back Yard Farmer

[Umpire]

It comes hard, but we had to realize that we are technically farmers now, and have to think that way. Our chickens are not pets, but livestock. It looks like we will need to cull them some, and that's difficult especially for the boy who plays with them.

I just wanted to toss this in because treating poultry like family can only make things difficult down the road. Many of us probably did not think it through totally before getting them.

 

[CityFarmer202]

I agree...it took a hard hit when we butchered a couple of the Cornish X i had raised, and realized that These animals gave their life so we could have lunch...Really makes you respect the animals God gave us. I raise meat rabbits along with pet rabbits, and meat chickens along with egg chickens...though i do have plenty of pets indoors. When i get a new animal, i have to think about what i'm getting it for and get attached to it and name it only if it is a pet, not food. Good post.

 

[blkjak]

My daughter and I have realized we are farmers but my husband has not. He still says he is not a farmer. We are going to butcher (cull) a roo or two this weekend. It will be hard cuz we did name them but it is a neccesary process.