Life on the farm has a rhythm all its own. It is a rhythm that doesn’t always follow the ticking of a clock or the lines on a calendar. Around here, one day often rolls right into the next, tied together by the chores, the weather, and the constant needs of the animals we’ve been called to look after. Some days are long, and some days are busy, but every day is a gift from the Lord.
When you live close to the land, you learn to watch the sky. You learn to listen to the birds and feel the weight of the air. You also learn that despite your best-laid plans, the animals often have ideas of their own. This past week has been a beautiful, chaotic reminder of why we do what we do here at Faithful Flock Farm.
A Taste of the Great Outdoors
Yesterday started with so much promise. We have been keeping the little ones in the garage, keeping them warm and safe as they grow. But the sun was shining, and the air felt just right, so we decided it was time. They got their second taste of the outside world.
It was such a joy to watch them. They stepped out onto the grass with a little more confidence this time, but still with that sweet mix of caution and excitement. Sun, space, and fresh air, it was already becoming something they clearly enjoyed. They spent the afternoon scratching at the dirt and stretching their wings in the wide-open space. When the time came to bring them back in, they made it very clear that they weren’t ready. They loved the freedom of the pasture, and seeing them thrive like that reminds us why pasture-raised life is so important for these birds.
However, freedom sometimes leads to a little bit of mischief. Over at Haven’s coop, four of our girls decided that the fence was more of a suggestion than a boundary. They found a way to slip through, heading off like they had somewhere very important to be. Mama had to step in and gather them up. We ended up putting them in what Mama calls “jail.” It isn’t a punishment, of course. It is just protection. Out here, "jail" means a secure spot where they can’t escape and get into trouble or encounter a predator. It is all about keeping them safe while they learn their limits.
The Heart of a Mother
While the teenagers were causing trouble, Mama Love was out enjoying the entire yard. She was spending time with the big girls and roosters from the Mercy coop. It was a peaceful scene, watching her move through the grass. But as the day went on, Mama Love made her way closer to Haven’s coop.
She saw the babies, who are quickly turning into teenagers, and something in her shifted. She didn’t want the wide-open yard anymore. She wanted back in with her babies. Those were her little ones, and from where she stood, she could tell something wasn’t right. She saw those four separated in Mama’s jail, and her maternal instinct took over.
She paced back and forth along the wire. She watched them with a steady eye. She stayed as close as she could get, refusing to leave their side. It was a beautiful display of the care God builds into His creatures. Eventually, Mama gave in. She put Mama Love back in with the teenagers. The peace that settled over that coop once they were reunited was a reminder of how much we all need our family close by.
Stewardship and Signs from Above
We weren’t just chasing chickens yesterday. Our neighbor, Mason, came over to lend a hand. Having a big set of hands makes a world of difference on a farm. He is only two doors down, but he is a blessing whenever he visits. Together, we worked on moving wood chips into the Mercy run and cleaning up around the woods.
The tractor was giving us a little bit of trouble, though. The bucket didn’t want to cooperate, and things were moving a bit slower than we liked. In moments like that, it’s easy to get frustrated. But Mama took a breath and realized it was a sign. She saw the tractor’s stubbornness as God’s way of saying it was time to call it a day.
Sure enough, there was a storm coming. The air was getting heavy, and the clouds were rolling in. Just as we finished up the essential chores, the rain started. It arrived right on time. Mama got the little ones safely back into the garage before the downpour hit. She even drove Mason home through the rain, even though he only lives two doors down, because that’s what neighbors do.
Evening Peace and Discipline
The evening was quiet as the rain fell. We made a simple decision for dinner and had Skyline, which is always a treat on a rainy night. Grandpa stayed home again, which is something Mama has been noticing more lately. She doesn't say much about it, but she keeps it in her heart and her prayers.
Back at the farm, the work didn't stop just because the sun went down. Milo, and Panda Bear, needed their dinner. They are such a big part of our daily rhythm, always there to greet us with wagging tails. We collected the eggs, feeling grateful for the abundance, and started closing up the coops.
Road Runner, our rooster, needed a little bit of discipline. He has been getting a bit too rough with the hens lately. Mama isn’t ready to give up on him, but she made it very clear that his behavior had to change. Stewardship means caring for every bird, and sometimes that means correcting the ones who are acting out. By the time she was done talking to him and showing him who was the boss, he was much calmer.
The air turned heavy again as night fell, and more storms were on the horizon. Mama stood at Haven’s coop, looking at the girls. Because of the high humidity, she made a choice not to close it up completely. She said a prayer, trusted in God’s protection, and headed inside.
A New Day and New Challenges
This morning came with a surprise that felt a lot like yesterday. Those same four girls from Haven’s coop were out again. They have the same determination and the same knack for finding the one weak spot in the fence.
Today was already shaping up to be a very busy day, and chasing escapees was not on the schedule. So, the jail moved. It was the same lesson in a different location, a more secure one. Because the weather turned cold today, the little ones couldn't go back outside like they wanted to. Plans shifted, and we had to adapt.
That is where the JS coop came in. This coop is named for John and Shannon, but it also stands for "Jesus Saves." It turned into exactly what we needed today, a safe, dry place for the ones who needed it most. Mama Love made her own decision today too. After working so hard to get back to the teenagers yesterday, she decided she was done with their mischief for a moment. She moved herself into the JS coop with the little ones to help provide some discipline and guidance there.
Preparing for the Next Storm
Even with the best coops, things happen. Later in the day, after running some errands, Mama noticed something wasn't right at the JS coop. The ramp was down, and the feed and water had been overturned. It was a mess. Mama Love was the only one standing in the run, looking a bit confused by it all.
Mama fixed the ladder, reset the water and food, and unloaded the groceries. It was just another moment of adjusting and keeping things moving. We also had one of the chickens' favorite events, refrigerator clean-out day. All the scraps that we couldn't use turned into a feast for the flock. Nothing goes to waste here, and the hens certainly appreciate the variety in their diet.
Now, Mama is sitting down for just a minute. The sky is darkening again, and another storm is on the way. Out here, you don't wait for the storm to hit before you act. You prepare. You adjust the coops, you check the fences, and you make sure everyone is tucked in where they belong.
One day rolls into the next, and while the chores might stay the same, the lessons are always new. We are learning to trust the timing of the rain, the instincts of a mother hen, and the quiet signs that tell us when to rest. It is a busy life, but it is a life filled with purpose and faith.
We are so grateful you are part of this journey with us. Whether it is through the eggs we provide or the stories we share, we hope you feel the heart of Faithful Flock Farm. If you want to learn more about how we care for our birds during these wet spring days, feel free to check out our guide on caring for the flock in wet weather.
Stay safe and stay faithful.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." ( Ecclesiastes 3:1)
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