Writing this, I am only fourteen years old. I decided I wanted chickens when I read what good fertilizer they would make for my garden that was a tribute to my grandmother. I got my first chicks in June of 2013. My mom was less than thrilled. It was my dad that had agreed to let me get the chicks. Immediately, I was thrown into a world of responsibility I had not yet experienced. The babies needed to be checked on five times a day. I alone was responsible for them. It helped that my parents had never had chickens before. I knew my stuff and had done my research. They couldn't really tell me what I needed to do for the chicks. I had to understand my responsibilities and fulfill them without reminders. Also, I did a lot of work to build the coop with my dad. Because we ended up with six roosters to two hens, I had to make the decision to slaughter the roosters for meat. I couldn't just pawn them off on someone else because I had raised them myself and had a responsibility to see their lives through to the end. I alone clean the coop and feed and water the girls. At one point I also had to medicate the flock as well. Every morning I'm out there before school and watering the birds in below freezing temperatures. Rain, shine, snow, hail, in sickness and in health I am the only thing keeping those birds alive. It has taught me a lot about the circle of life, responsibility and also economics. I think every kid should have the same opportunity to learn this valuable lesson. I really appreciate my parents trusting me on this because if they had constantly nagged me about them, I probably would have given up a long time ago.
. I totally agree that every child should have the opportunity to keep chicks, they not only teach responsibility but are great fun and also teach children the full life cycle.
