Saturday, February 05, 2022
(Moon phase is Waxing Crescent; February’s “Snow Moon” rises fullest on 16th.)
Yesterday, my early go-to-work day, shadowing a young man familiar with the store’s chick-care routine, turned out to be fun for me. He showed a series of steps for cleaning brooders, re-stocking chick water and feed, and taking care of a back-room chick area. After those training basics, I was on my own.
I had no trouble finding ways to stay busy in the store’s brooder areas. I cleaned baby chicks with clogged vents and talked with customers looking or ready to buy. I listened to people’s stories about their past chicken experiences and shared some of mine. I captured baby chicks, packaged them, and explained products supportive of infant and adult chicken care to those wanting to know.
My past months of working behind a cash register helped. Many customers purchasing chicken care products shared their chicken experiences and learning. Their stories hiked my arsenal of possibilities and solutions.
My next-door neighbor once said that sometimes, I “think more with my heart than with my head,” which yesterday proved true. I brought home four days-old chicks. Three came from the back-room sick tank, all weak from being shipped in crowded conditions. One has a broken leg and two seeming to recover. My fourth chick is the lone healthy remainder of a breed that sold-out.
The three that will survive are company for the real-problem hen. She has a strong will to live despite a leg that appears broken, useless, and only slightly thicker than dental floss. Maybe she has the condition called “straddle leg.” Whatever, I hope saving her is possible.
Dear Friends: This new role must avoid falling for the weakest and leftovers. Diana
Diana's Morning Blog 