We didn't quite live in the "city" before we moved to our little farm. But HOA said we definitely weren't "country". I grew up in a small town, but not farm town. There were a lot of things I assumed until 9 months ago when we started our homestead/farming journey. I want to share some of these things with you because I know most of my peeps are city folk.
1. Chickens and eggs- All hens lay a daily egg. Not all of those eggs will hatch a chick. You must have a male and female to have a baby; therefore, you must have a rooster to have an egg that will hatch a chick. So, the eggs you get from the grocery store are most likely NOT fertilized (depending on your chosen grocery store I suppose). The farm fresh eggs you get from a neighbor or friend, there's a possibility that you are eating a fertilized egg. If they have a rooster of course. And yes, chickens "do it". There is an actual mating process that takes place, and a rooster sperm will fertilize a hen's girly parts. If you want to know more click here.
2. Animals tied up in the front yard- I used to drive by a house with their horse or cow tied in the front yard. I thought it was cruel. I thought they obviously don't have the space for a large animal. BUT, horses and cows are lawn mowers. I can't tell you how many times we've let our cows in a certain area because we just didn't feel like mowing. Or didn't have time. This may not always be the case, but I now get it.
3. The "junk" in the yard- We have so much stuff in our yard right now. Here's the thing, we don't get complimentary city bulk trash pick-up. We must wait until the 1st weekend of the month to load up a trailer and go to the county dump. Sometimes we are busy that 1 weekend. And, guess what, no HOA. So, who cares. Ha! I said it. The junk that's waiting to go to trash eternity does bother me some, but knowing some association isn't going to come fine me for it makes it not so bad.
4. Skinny Livestock- Driving the back roads I would witness skin and bones on horses and cattle. It made me sad that the owners couldn't afford to feed them. Well, I know now that some cows look skinny. Dairy cows specifically have very little rump meat. Here's more on that at Green Eggs and Goats
I also know that some livestock owners have trouble putting weight on certain animals. Whether they are sick or have some sort of parasite they are battling, it has nothing to do with negligence. SOME horse owners are trying their hardest to figure out why their horse isn't gaining weight. I've met a lot of rescue owners too. They bring in the horses and cattle that are underweight and starving and they're in the process of fattening them up.
5. Clothing- I always wondered why the hideous fashion statement of "overalls". Now, I get it! You put them on over your regular clothes. Go do your messy jobs outside. Then come back in and take them off. Hang em up (cause you'll just be putting them back on later). And you still have clean clothes on. ALL HAIL TO OVERALLS!
6. Goats- I never understood the love for goats. They climb and escape. I would often see goats outside of a fenced in residence and it baffled me. Why would they let their goats out there? Why would they let them climb on stuff? Goats have the climbing and escaping instinct. Just like cats scratch and babies put things in their mouths. Feed the instinct or put away the desire. Our goats have giant cable spools they climb on and they love it. Tip to goat owners- make a climbing castle out of cinderblocks and it helps file their hooves down. Our goats have never gotten out of our fenced in area. I believe the reason is because they run the pasture with the cows, and they have about 15 acres to eat on. The desire to go anywhere else is diminished when they have this much area (and now that i said this I'll be chasing goats down this afternoon). I know some don't have that option, and that's okay. Just have good fencing! But really, I LOVE our goats. Another post on that later.
7. Structure- Why the need for structures? Barns and shops and extra houses. I didn't get it. I know you need a barn for animals, but why 3? Well, it's not just feed you need to store. Fencing, buckets, tools, heavy machinery, extra supplies, and always the "what if's" (like brooder boxes, calf pullers, heat lamps, extra lumber). Most homesteaders and farmers like to DIY. Therefore they need space and tools to DIY.
8. Hermits- Then notion and thought that farmers and homesteaders are "home-bodies" is quite the assumption. People are different, but for us it's true! I'm a really social person so it's not the introvert in me. We just have so much to do at home and we enjoy it so much that there is no need to go elsewhere. I actually HATE going anywhere away from my home. It's awesome that the Lord has provided us with a living environment that lines up with our desire to be at home. I wish all people wanted to be home. It would alleviate the need for vacations.
And there ya have it. Everyone is different, so this isn't always the case in every circumstance. Anything you've wondered or assumed about country living? Comment below and I can help you out or find someone who can.
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