Our chick whisperer, Raul
Spring is in the air here at the farm and, though we have a very productive layer flock of 35 hens, we’ve been considering raising a few chicks that could eventually inhabit our developing orchard. However, we were missing one key ingredient — someone to raise chicks. Fortunately for the farm, we found just the right helper in Raul, our nine-year-old next-door neighbor who, as it turns out, is a natural.
Raul and his dad made a trip to the feed store where Raul carefully chose just the right chicks for us. A half hour later, they returned home with Raul carefully balancing a cardboard box on his lap filled with seven peeping chicks only 48 hours old!
Raul carefully got them settled in their new home and has been diligently feeding and caring for them every day. He occasionally brings them out into the sunshine to be cuddled and has been generously teaching visitors how to properly hold them, too.
Each chick has a name, and Raul can tell you each one’s breed — Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, Black Sex-Linked, Rhode Island Red, and Barred Rock. Each has its own personality, and visitors can learn who’s who by checking the name tags Raul has carefully taped to the outside of the chick enclosure.
His parents have been super supportive of Raul’s first foray into farming, and for this the farm is grateful. Visiting the chicks morning, afternoon, and evening, the Rekow family is taking such good care of them that we expect tasty eggs and consistent production in return. As for Raul, he says “Wow, I never thought I would have a chance to raise chickens, and now I really like doing it.“
If you come by Common Roots later this spring, Raul’s flock will likely be in our orchard, providing bug control, fertilizer, eggs, and probably some entertainment. These chicks will be a welcome addition to our farm and community, and we are grateful to Raul for stepping up as Common Roots Farm’s outstanding chick whisperer!
