Did you know that even in some residential areas you can house chickens? When my husband and I were looking to buy our first house the options were seemingly endless. We wanted to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and there were several beautiful lakes surrounding the area. One lake in particular stood out to us. We found a property close to the lake for a reasonable price. The house was gorgeous and move in ready. We were thrilled. We sat down with the realtor one night with high hopes for a bright future in this particular home when suddenly he showed us the HOA rules and regulations. No chickens. Horses were fine, but all other types of animals were out of the picture. This was so unusual because even residents in the nearby city were allowed chickens but out near this lake, it was not allowed. We decided not to close on the house and moved on.
Why were chickens so important to us? I didn’t grow up on a farm. My husband only had minimal experience with farm animals growing up. Yet we knew that we wanted to have the ability to have farm animals even if it was just chickens to begin with. Having farm animals throughout the years has been extremely beneficial for our children. They have grown up understanding the value of hard work. Sure, they enjoy gathering the eggs on bright sunny days but what about the rainy ones? Farming isn’t as romantic as it may seem but it is rewarding and when children are taught at a young age that they are responsible for something other than themselves, it is golden.
Our children have had the opportunity to help raise goats, alpacas, rabbits, chickens, pigs, turkeys, and ducks. They have had such a positive experience that they have begun to save their own money to buy their own animals. One of my sons purchased meat chickens to raise and sell and her and his younger brother have also purchased pigs to raise, breed, and sell. These kids are only twelve and thirteen years old! It is amazing to watch them take care of their animals all while understanding that they aren’t pets but that they will be food one day.
When I first started out on this endeavour I remember posting a comment on my Facebook page mentioning that it was butcher day for our chickens. A former friend from college was disgusted. She wasn’t a vegetarian, she just didn’t understand. She commented, “I didn’t know people DID that anymore!” And it’s true, many people don’t know. They purchase their food from stores and restaurants without fully understanding the work that went into it. How valuable it is to teach our children the value of hard work. Even if my children don’t become farmers when they are older, I believe they will benefit greatly from seeing this aspect of food production. Do you have any farm animals?
