“You have too many animals.”
I would venture to guess there are many of you who have heard this one. Am I right?
Well, me too.
And it’s no big deal. Can’t help but laugh at those t-shirts and memes that proclaim the proud crazy chicken lady with her 1, 5, 12, don’t-judge-me number of chickens. Hey, I’m one such crazy chicken lady.
But when this was recently brought to my attention by my own mother (sorry Mom if you’re a reader), I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Why? Because she followed it up with this:
“You will never get out of them what you put into them.”
Have you heard that one? My fellow homesteaders, you probably have.
This conversation has floated around in my mind for about a month now. She had kindly watched over my home and all of its demands while we took a short trip to visit my husband’s family back in July. And for someone who doesn’t normally spend their days hauling around sloppy fermented feed to the various chickens, ducks, turkeys, and pigs- not to mention managing meat rabbit pens and the detailed who-gets-what of it all- it’s a lot. It’s a lot for me sometimes.
It gave her a raw, intimate look into my daily life and what it all entails- physically, financially, mentally, emotionally…and thus spurring the aforementioned statement.
It got me thinking. And got me a little bit sad, too.
Because the point had been missed. It isn’t about money and time put in vs. what you physically get in return. If you added up the dollars and the hours and the back pain and weighed it against a package of chicken or pork in the grocery store, then she’s right. It would be easier and probably less expensive to go that route, especially when you consider the time put in, which hasn’t monetary value.
It would involve less chicken poop in the yard.
Less crowing at all hours of the day.
Less listening to the dog bark obnoxiously as a drake chases down a duck for the 318th time.
So what is the point?
The point is, raising my own animals for their various purposes fulfills in me a sense of peace- even amid the daily noise that comes with it all.
Peace in connecting with a time lost long ago. Using my hands. Working hard. Raising up my children to appreciate the food they eat and giving them a real look into the entire process from start to finish. Caring for something, nurturing it, loving it.
Knowing where something began and how it ended before it reaches my plate.
It’s all about the peace, man.
It isn’t about the money or time. Because if it was, I wouldn’t be doing it. If it was just about my eggs vs. theirs- despite the fact that store bought doesn’t even come close to comparing– that wouldn’t be enough for me.
The value of what you get out of what you put into (go ahead, re-read that) those animals needs to be appreciated beyond what you see on the surface. When I look at one of our freshly butchered, dressed, and oven-bound turkeys, I don’t see just a naked bird. I see an animal that started its life in a brooder box in my basement. Stinking and dusting up the whole place. The kids wanting to peek at them at every moment. The fear of moving them outside to the cold, wet early spring world and then losing one to the elements. Laughing the first time I heard their adolescent gobble gobble. The companionship they provide every time I go out to my garden with their coop in such close proximity.
I see them on top of the duck house. Or pecking at my wedding ring every time I fill their water. And stomping their poopy dinosaur-like feet all over mine at feeding time.
I see myself carrying the calm, heavy bird to the butcher block we have readied in the driveway where my husband awaits, hatchet in hand. Softly talking to it. Soothing. Thanking it for its life and the memories, no matter how small.
Yes, beyond the surface is the real value.
We most certainly do get out what we put in.
Shared at:
Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop #15
Ok. Wow. I loved reading this, and it brought tears to my eyes. I am there. I farm on my parents farm. I have “too” many animals. My mom, with good intentions, is quick to point out how much money we would save without them, how we could travel without them, etc. I feel as though I have little support, and some days I really need that. Regardless of how simple life could be, I love this life for the same reasons you mention. I’ve experienced all you wrote, from brooding, to butchering, and I love it all. I find purpose in it all. I can’t imagine life without it. Anyway, I needed this today. THANK YOU!
I hear you, Monica! That support can be hard to find- thank goodness for the internet and its ability to reach like-minded folks! 🙂 You really have to live this life in order to truly understand and appreciate it. Who needs to travel when you have everything you need right at home, right?!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Erin
What’s beautifully written piece! I have so much envy of those that truly homestead that I’ve close to the ground and to their surroundings. You have such a lovely homestead and your children are learning good values. I believe we all have the power to live simply but it is a challenge in today’s world. Thank you for reminding us how “easily” it can be done.
Ps : I don’t think you have too many animals but I may be quickly becoming that crazy chicken lady. Now ducks…
Thank-you so much, Christina! We absolutely do all have that power to live simply. But I hear you- our world taunts us to do otherwise, doesn’t it?
And power to the fellow crazy chicken lady! Ducks are a blast- but beware, they are just as easy to hoard as those chickens. 😉
Thanks so much for your kind comment and for reading,
Erin
Wow, what a great blog post. Yes, you summed up the hobby farm life that those who aren’t involved with can’t understand. I agree with you that for myself “what I get out of ” raising chickens, ducks & turkeys goes beyond what most people can see on the surface. Keep up the good work!
Maria
Thanks so much for stopping by, Maria! 🙂
Erin
Too many animals? People have definitely thought that about my family! I’m probably known as the “Crazy Corgi Lady” in our neighborhood! We currently have 5 dogs, 4 cats, 1 free range house rabbit, 4 chickens, and 2 ducks. On 1/2 an acre. We’ve had 7 dogs at one points, 20 chickens, and 9 ducks. Now that we have a daughter, I think it is especially important to have animals in our lives. It teaches responsibility, compassion, truth about life cycles, and love. Nice post – keep on doing what you’re doing.
You are absolutely right about kids and animals- what a great thing for them to grow up with and learn from 🙂
It sounds like you’ve got a pleasant bunch around your home. Keep it up 🙂
Erin
I just loved this: The point is, raising my own animals for their various purposes fulfills in me a sense of peace- even amid the daily noise that comes with it all.
All I can say is I agree!
Thank-you, Tracy! 🙂
Loved this post! I agree with it completely, even when my (I’m sure well meaning) father takes it upon himself to point out all the money and time I’ve put into my animals, and how I’m “tied” down now. Some people just don’t get it I guess, but it’s so great to find others who totally do.
You are absolutely right. That is why I blog- to network with fellow like-minded too-many-animal individuals 🙂
Awesome post. I am right there with you… Living on a small farm is hard, yet soul satisfying and enjoyable work!
~Lori from LL Farm (your newest follower)
Hi, Lori! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I know it speaks to so many of us personally. Thank-you so much for stopping by and following! 🙂
This is such a touching article that speaks to my heart. How many times have I heard, “Or you could just go to the grocery store” But I don’t want to for all the reasons you write about. But I have to remind myself too that this Ilife I love isn’t for everyone. Adorable picture too!!
That is absolutely true. It isn’t for everyone! But for those who love it, we certainly love it in a special way 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting.