Some days...

A friend of mine once asked whether the kids become calloused to the inevitable losses that come inherently with being surrounded by livestock.  Another friend asked me whether the children understand or are involved in the processing of animals raised for consumption.  The answers to those questions deal more with family values and sensibility than anything else.

Today was more about the first question.  I recently posted ab out silly old Sergeant Major.  Gentle but protective with the hens, great at coexisting with the other animals, the head of all the roosters here,  I mentioned that in his old age, he is slowing down a bit.  His balance and spunk have been slowing down.

In the last week, we gave him some rest days in a large crate, with his own food and water, but where he could see and interact with his hens.  When we would be around, he would still be free to roam the property, even met the little ones who were recently hatched, and spent several hours standing guard near them.

This morning, after a night resting, he was fussing in the crate, but was ambling around and resting alternately before the kids and I left for town.  We decided to let him stay out with his girls, with his crate propped open and his own food and water ready.

We got home after school and deliveries, and Wyatt went out to begin feeding, while Bailey was helping unload.  Wyatt came back crying.  We knew Sergeant Major wasn't young, and we really didn't know how old he was.  But he was special, a personality and life force all his own.  In a house with so many chickens, you might think a boy wouldn't notice an older bird.  But every one here is special, even those raised for meat.  And Sergeant Major was no different.

Bailey automatically pitched in with me and let Wyatt sit with his dog for a bit to talk.  They just understand one another like that.  Then Wyatt went out to get back to work.  Sergeant Major,  you will be missed, and your legacy will live on around here in your spirit, children, and the way you trained the other roosters.  Rest well, and fly high.  And Wyatt will remember while tending to the flock.