This week, we said goodbye to our rooster (we don’t name the chickens). This rooster was getting increasingly aggressive. Any time you turn your back on him he would run up to you to give you a sharp kick with his talons. He did this funny thing where we would give you this “side-eye” that made you think that he just really hated you. Eventually, we became so paranoid around the chickens that we found ourselves essentially tiptoeing near them. Not what we had in mind when we decided to raise chickens
Not All Bad
Aggression from roosters is completely normal as they are instinctively protective of their flock. One day, while working from home on my porch and letting the chickens free-range, I heard a commotion that was more intense than the usual hen activity. Sensing something was wrong, I jumped off the porch and ran to the backyard. The chickens were running full sprint towards me. As I turned the corner, I nearly stepped on the rooster, and right behind him was a small fox! We froze, staring at each other, unsure of what to do next. Eventually, the fox decided the chickens were no longer worth the effort and ran away. Though I’m not entirely sure what happened, I believe the rooster had played a role in protecting the hens before deciding to run as well.
Time to Go
Despite the rooster's protective nature, the anxiety he caused us was too much. His aggressive mating behavior was also leading to significant feather loss among the hens. Although I didn't like this rooster, it was not easy to dispatch him. When we took him away from the coop, we expressed our gratitude for his life.
Next Steps
His death served a purpose beyond just removing an aggressive bird. We processed him by scalding, plucking, and eviscerating him. Joe and I are beginners in this area, not having grown up on a farm or hunting. We learned how to process the bird by watching videos on "Youtube University", which were helpful, though it would have been beneficial to see someone do it in person.
Cooking
Roosters have notoriously tough meat, so the next day, we stewed him with vegetables for 10 hours. We used the meat for a rooster pot pie, preserved the broth for future soups, and shared some of the organs with Luna. We even saved his feathers to give to a friend for tying fishing flies. Nothing went to waste.
Reflecting on Death
Confronting death is challenging, particularly for those of us not accustomed to it. Each encounter with mortality on the homestead reinforces the cycle of life and death, reminding us of the delicate balance we strive to maintain. The act of taking a life, even that of an aggressive rooster, forces us to acknowledge our responsibilities and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Though the act of dispatching our rooster was difficult, it provided a deeper appreciation for the food we consume and the lives we sustain. The melancholy that accompanies these moments serves as a reminder of the value of life, urging us to approach our homestead with care and respect. In embracing this reality, we grow more connected to the land and the creatures we care for, understanding that every life has a purpose and a place within our shared existence.
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