Horrible Lesson

A couple weeks ago I had quite the horrific experience here on the farm. We were and are unfortunately battling a drought and numerous extra hours are being put in to keep the plants alive and to also replant for the fall. This brought my body to a breaking point which pinched a nerve in my shoulder and due to pure exhaustion I made a huge tactical error.

I had gone up late after the boys were in bed to close up the greenhouse, hothouse and put all of the birds to bed and close the barn. The farm has shockingly had no experience with predators and we have endangered barn swallows nesting in the rafters, so when I saw the chickens were not interested in going into the barn yet, I said “Fine” and left the barn door open enough to let them get in so they could then fly up to their safe roosts. I’ve seen cats go in to the barn many times but the birds have always been fine. So when you are hurting to a point you’ve been crying most of the day, yes you screw up.

Pain medication has no effect on me so I tossed and turned most of the night. My bedroom window outlooks the front of the house and barn and it was a quiet night. However when I woke up I just knew something was wrong.

The boys were awake and playing and I grabbed my gear and went outside. In front of me was a massacre. How did I not hear anything?!?!

In front of me were bodies of our young chickens with their heads ripped up and strewn about the front yard. As I continued up to the barn the body count increased. The worst was the little one still alive slowly turning it’s head to look at me. Anthony came out of the house calling to see if I needed help opening up and I yelled at him to get back inside no questions asked.

I pulled myself together and I dealt with the situation. Grabbed the axe and killed the little one, cleaned up all of the bodies and got the boys to school on time. Then I called the Farmer’s Co-Op and ordered some adult layers which will arrive in August. After which I broke down, called my friends for support and balled my eyes out to my Mom in BC later that day. Thank you god, that my friends were already coming that night for a bonfire and they stayed over. Laughs and support were incredibly needed.

I’ve now opened a top hayloft window enough for the swallows to get in and out and absolutely make sure the barn doors are secure. 

Live and learn. What a horrible lesson.