When my first family [4 children] was growing up we lived on a small farm next door to a larger farm. We had a couple of pigs, a couple of horses, a steer, and a few chicks. Although we did not butcher, the farm next door did. My children took it for granted that some of the animals would be butchered and eaten at some point. They never took part in the actual butchering. Now they are all grown and all have pets. They are all animal lovers and while I believe they could butcher if necessary I don't see any of them doing it as long as they can find a store.
My second family [ages 6 and 16 now] have not experienced farm animals on our property, but have been to friend's farms. We have had chickens in the back yard for about 3 years now and they help with their care. We have not butchered any chickens at home. Our flock is made up of several different breeds and we are adding 3 more breeds this spring. My daughter has pet Seramas, and Tommy [6] has his favorite chickens that he carrys around, etc. Since they have known chickens that have died of who knows what and seen a fox take a chicken, and a hawk take a chicken they know it happens, and although sad, seem to take it as part of life. We talk about it and have friends that have shared their animal stories,.
It's really an individual choice about educating all of our children and how we do so. You know your child best and what his reaction will be. My idea is to let them have a special chicken or so to raise and pet, and the others for eggs. It has worked at our house. They also have cats, dogs, and a hampster to take care of. I do think it helps to have our children around animals of all types, whether in their own home/yard, with friends, the zoo, whatever. How about getting some books from the library or take David to a real farm near by, a dairy, a zoo, etc. 3 is young, but not to young to begin learning to care, for animals and people. I have found that the more I talk with Tommy about things, and the more I can show him, the easier it is for him to understand. Sometimes it is difficult to be honest and sensitive at the same time, but ya gotta try!
Susan in Conyers
________________________________
From: allen_moretsky <a_moretsky@hotmail.com>
To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 9:49 PM
Subject: [CHICKENS-101] Re: how to keep hens laying where they should
This is an interesting subject. I'm a firm believer in that we shouldn't be eating chickens, fish, cows, whatever if we can't face the idea or actual deed. On the other hand David at 3 is a bit young for this concept. However, I was under the impression that farm children faced this all the time. A cow, a goat, a sheep that is a pet, but ends up on the table. I'd like David to face the music, but I'd like to hear other opinions first before I traumatize my son into a life of psychiatric couch-work. For sure I want meat chickens. Doesn't mean Hanibelle has to be the one. Some of this is cultural. I just moved from the Philippines where my next door neighbor had a puppy for many months. The kids played with it all the time and then one day he took it away to eat it with his buddies. I don't think the kids saw the killing or the meat, but for sure almost all Filipino kids grow up with the screaming of pigs going down. Ever hear a pig being force on a boat
or being dragged trussed up to the gallows? Horrible.
Opinions on chickencide and how children handle it?
Allen
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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