Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[45ishChickenMom]

Quote: Hmmm. Surprised by that. I guess you can't believe everything you hear and read (of course, I should know this by now). And to think we considered giving our rooster to them. Once I saw the overcrowded coops, I changed my mind. We did get our beagle from an Amish farm, and he has been the joy of the family (though the chickens are a very close second). I'll do a search on BYC for Amish threads. Am still curious. Thanks, Celtic Chick!

 

[Firstchic]

I'm curious about something completely unrelated to previous conversations. Forgive me, but I need to ask, and some of you might know. Two weeks ago I went shopping in Amish country (bakery, plants, etc.). We stopped at a few farms, and two had visible chicken coops. No runs. I asked how many chickens were in each coop, and one had 80, the other 300. They were layers, of course, but I didn't see any birds outside. The coops seemed rather small (almost commercial) for the amount of chickens. My question is this: I thought Amish had a genuine respect for their livestock. What I witnessed seemed almost cruel. Your thoughts?

Well, now they may have a barn...Since there was no run, was their a fenced in area ? And since you were talking to them, why didn't you ask?

 

[Firstchic]

Well, now they may have a barn...Since there was no run, was their a fenced in area ? And since you were talking to them, why didn't you ask?

I didnt mean to sound snippy, but, I woulda said, WOW, that many chickens in that little ole place......on the other hand, I probably would not have been invited back.

 

[45ishChickenMom]

There were no fenced in areas near the coops that I could see (barbed wire for horses and cows, yes). Barns were on the properties, but not necessarily near the coops. One of the coop doors was open a bit (the one with 300), and I glanced in. Saw rows and rows of nesting boxes and lots and lots of poop. It just surprised me. I was with a gal pal and my two daughters, so I didn't want to pry so much because my friend regularly visits these Amish families. I should've asked, but maybe I was afraid of the answer. Anyway, you weren't being snippy FirstChic. Like I said, we visited several farms, but these were the only coops that I noticed. It was such a beautiful day that I am surprised I didn't see any chickens outside. Not a one. Perhaps these were worse-case scenarios among the Amish. Regardless, I didn't purchase any eggs from either farm (but, ****, the cookies and cream fudge was to die for!). To be fair, the farm which would've taken our rooster did have chickens, but I didn't see them (the same place I got peanutbutter cookies, also to die for). I figured they were in a barn. They also had dairy cows. Anywho, I've rambled on enough. Our rooster is staying put for the time being. Got him a no-crow collar but haven't used it yet. A friend will take him if it doesn't work or if he's overly aggressive with the three hens.

 

[wyoDreamer]

The Amish are not any different than any other farmer, they just don't use gas propelled engines to do the work. I knew some who are very dedicated and good stewards of their animals - I have also known a few who are quite the opposite.
My aunt used to sell eggs about 40 years ago, her hens were all crammed in a single coop and fed cracked corn. When you went to gather eggs, you had to take a stick in with you to keep the roosters from attacking. A friend told me how she was in charge of the chickens when she was a kid (about the same time as my aunt). She had to let the chickens out, feed them in the yard, pick the eggs and add bedding to the coop every day before breakfast and school. Then every other Saturday, she had to clean out the coop completely and take the bedding to the manure pile. The chickens were her pets and she had names for most of them. They would come when she called and let her pick them up and carry them around.

 

[45ishChickenMom]

WyoDreamer, I imagine that's the case in every situation (extremes/good/bad). I just always imagine the Amish as so very wholesome and nurturing. Thanks for your input. New to chickens, I still think of mine as pets (and probably always will). Thanks!

 

[bigzio]

My neighbors are Amish....they keep everything at a minimum. They don't wear a golden halo and treat animals and stock as so....The care and feed I provide is hands down stellar to their idea of proper care...the horses are their cars and they care more for them, than any other animal that is used for food. It's just a food source to them. They enjoy our freedoms, but don't fight for our Country.....while I'm not a veteran personally....our family has suffered plenty providing our freedom...something their religion won't allow......they don't own cars, but will pay for rides....they are starting to have phones....and will always use yours.....they don't buy beer...but will drink it if you provide it.

bigz

 

[wyoDreamer]

I didn't realize that they won't join the armed forces, never really thought about it though. I did know the Quakers are completely against joining the armed forces.

 

[bigzio]

We get along great with the Amish neighbors...we barter garden stuff and eggs for fresh noodles..etc...my neighbors don't have the chickens...they all have their special input to the church family. We buy all our baking needs from their store in town. But everyone needs to realize that they are just like you and me...except they have their special clothes to stand out and be noticed...never thought designer clothes looked like that, eh!

bigz

 

[Firstchic]

Holy Cow.....I don't know a single Amish, but, these stories are scary....So, has anyone ever turned them in for animal abuse? When I was in an orphanage down in Ark as a kid, the houseparents took us to a sect that are very similar to Amish, but, I think they were Mormons or something....we could not get out of the car, and it was dark, so didn't see much.....