Time With A Little Guy

I had the opportunity to spend a few days with my oldest nephew, Ethan. He'll be nine years old in July and this was his first time away from home for more than a one-night sleep over. His younger brother, Jared gets really homesick, so he didn't get to come since it was going to be more than one night away from home. But, I have little broiler chicks coming in July and they will both be coming to stay overnight when I pick up the chicks from the hatchery.

The first day we went swimming, including Uncle Matt. A fun time was had by all, even me--a total land dweller. I swim like a rock...if you get my drift.

Tuesday, we started our day with breakfast, a rarity for me and then it was off to do morning chores. Ethan is in Cub Scouts and as part of a project requirement, he could help feed and care for the chickens. I showed him how many scoops of food the chickens got and helped him fill waterers and sweep the floor. I then created a monster! He became completely intrigued by handling the chickens and made it his duty to catch all the ones he could. After some time in the coop we went in and chilled out. He played "animal catcher" with my many cats and dogs and put them in the cages I used to use when I had my boarding kennel. Thank goodness they are so good-natured! Periodically, Ethan took it upon himself to go out to the coop and check for eggs.

Later in the day, we went to the farm where I help milk cows. It was fun for me. I hadn't milked in a while. It was so hot in the parlor! Ethan looked the part with his rag, work boots and rubber gloves. I explained what it took to prep the cows and the importance of knowing what red leg bands meant. (Leg bands indicate a "dry cow"/ pregnant and due to calf, a cow that may have mastitis, a cow that just had a calf/ "freshened" or a cow that is on medication.) He checked the legs as the cows came in and would say "that one has a band", or "no red-bander's here!" He helped count cows to let me know how many needed to fill the parlor for that round of milking. He even got to help pre-dip, strip and post dip teats. A big help for never doing it before. He hung in there pretty well till he got sweaty and itchy and wanted to leave. But, Al was milking by himself since Stan was busy baling hay and I wasn't going to leave Al to do it all himself. I sent Ethan to the milk house to wait by the bulk tank. We only had a few cows left anyway. He just couldn't take the "itching" anymore. I think he was just hot and sweaty, but he chalked it up to no fun and deemed cows made him itch and they smelled funny.

He got to help weigh eggs and I even taught him how to make scrambled eggs! He soaked up all that I taught him.

He didn't want to leave, and I admit I was enjoying the company. As for the chickens, I'm not so sure... But, he went home convinced that he wants to be a chicken farmer.