So why did we choose to use this hatchery? Well, primarily because it's a Michigan based organization. They are large so they have they have the scalability to allow us to grow as God sees fit. They also provide jobs to people in Michigan. Because we're not too far away, shipping costs are lower and the birds go through less trauma than they would on a longer trek.
They also do not vaccinate or medicate the birds when they hatch. We were warned by some friends that some places spray all their chicks with salmonella to build up their immune systems. You have to be careful, though, because YOU must wear rubber when handling them to keep from getting the salmonella yourself. That's not us. Leave the birds alone. We'll trust God for the rest.
The first batch is scheduled to arrive on May 26th! There are few things as exciting as going to pick up the chicks at the Post Office. The birds are chirping away and they sound so happy and excited. It's their first field trip you know. And then when you see those little downy balls of fluff squirming and vying for the best position to get out of the box first....well, it doesn't get much better than that.
One lesson we learned last year was not counting your chickens...okay...well, you know what I mean. You can order the chicks for whatever day you like, but that doesn't mean they'll come that specif day. They may, or they may be delayed because of a whole host of reasons. So flexibility is rule one when dealing with living things.
In our work-a-day world, we live according to calendars, schedules, and constant communication. I admit that I was a little put out when the chicks didn't arrive on time last year. I had taken the day off from my other job and it was a wasted day. But then I began to realize that maybe I was the problem. The hatchery had good reasons for the delay. But more than that, did I really think that the birthing process could be completely scheduled? After 5 kids you'd think I'd know better. We learned, though, that much of the farming process is about waiting, watching, preparing, and then acting when it's the right time.
Hmmm....not a bad recipe for life.
