We are finding out that decisions at the homestead are sometimes decided for us. Several weeks ago, I ordered predator resistant chicks, yes there is such a chicken. The hatch date was scheduled for the first week of April. All went as planned and the chicks arrived hale and hearty. The first several days went well. None of my charges died or got sick. Thanking God, I went ahead and ordered the Barred Rock chicks I wanted but were “sold out” at the time. The website indicated the Barred Rocks would hatch in August. We decided to get the Survival Chicks settled then be ready to fill out the flock in August. We thought it was a good plan. A slow and steady plan.

I opened the order’s confirmation email and scanned it. Things looked good, until I reached the ship date. I did a double take. It said the chicks would be shipped on the following Monday. “What happened to August? It must be a mistake.” I said to myself then thought, April, August they both start with A. Maybe its a typo? So I waited to see if they said April but meant August, and sure enough another batch of chicks arrived about a week after the first batch.

What is that old saying? “I plan and God chuckles?” Something like that. I couldn’t help but think God wanted my flock to be complete now not later. So there are two brooders set up with heat lamps, feeders, bedding, puppy pads, and waterers in the spare bedroom with 33 chicks.

I thought when they said “ship dates can be changed” meant the eggs hatched a little early or a little late. Obviously I don’t understand ordering chicks from a hatchery. Now I’m wondering if God wants me to be a chicken farmer author. So far He has provided 33 cuties, who are alive and well in spite of my ineptness at raising baby chickens! It must be God’s grace for the chicks.

⁵ But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

(Luke 12:5-7)¹

I read all the warnings along with the horrible examples of how easily chicks die. I ordered extra chicks because I wanted to have at least a dozen layers for our own use, family and friends. Per the information on the web, hatcheries will sometimes include extra chicks for warmth in transit to fill out a box. What I didn’t know is, it is a regular practice to ensure I get the full order with a 100% guarantee of live chicks for up to 3 days. In other words if a few chicks died in transit, you can’t ask for replacement chicks until the total number of chicks drops below the number in your order. Okay that makes sense from a business point of view considering the cost of shipping live birds.

When the chicks I wanted were out of stock, I looked around and found a special from the hatchery on their choice of predator resistant chickens, who I affectionately call my “Survival Chicks.’ These breeds tend to be more aware of their surroundings, run faster, and the roosters tend to fight back giving the hens time to run and hide. The hatchery calls their temperaments ‘active’ or ‘flighty.’ I’m pretty sure I got 11 Brown Leghorns and 6 Easter Eggers. But don’t quote me on that. I’m just identifying chicks from pictures on the web. These chicks take life a full speed. They run away fast, run towards me faster, and run for the fun of it as far as I can tell. These are type A chicks for ACTIVE.

The Barred Rocks, who I now call the Rock Steady Chicks, are called ‘docile’ or ‘friendly’ chickens. They move slower but can be quick. They like to explore before diving into something new. They come to my voice and let me pick them up. This is the type of chicken many people make into pets. The Rock Steady Chicks are type C chicks for CALM.

What happened to me is what chicken bloggers and vloggers affectionately call “chicken math.” Here’s my math: For my goal to have a minimum of 12 laying hens with a rooster within a year, I ordered 15 straight run predator resistant chicks. This means the chicks are packed as they hatch and you get an average of 50% hens and 50% roosters. Then later (which really is now) I would order 15 Barred Rocks straight run chicks. Assuming a 50/50 split, it adds up like this:

(15 + 2 Survival Chicks) + (15 + 1 Rock Steady Chicks) = 33 Chicks. Assuming a 50/50 ratio that would be around 17 hens and 16 Roosters, maybe. Lord willing, I will have a flock of 17 hens, 2 roosters and 14 meat birds. It’s still a lot more than the planned 13 chickens! So far all the chicks are chirping away. And that my friends is how chicken math works. You always end up with more.

Even with the chicken math wrinkle, it fills out the original plan now rather than later. Considering the state of our economy, my soul rejoices with this blessing from God. I have not been able to get the garden going on time with all the repairs and moving. But the Lord God will supply a protein source for me and my family. Hopefully we can supply others as well. He is in charge of my path, even when I try to plan it! {Big Smile}

²² For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

(Psalm 37:22-24)¹

Please pray with me:

Heavenly Father, sometimes my life is so busy that I have a hard time seeing Your Hand at work in my life. Writing this post helped me understand that when I cannot see through the tasks, worries, and stress, You are right there blessing me and my future as You order my steps. This blessing has also filled my soul with joyous laughter. Thank you Father God for Your guiding hand in my life. I am grateful for these cuties You have blessed us with to provide for our family. I ask that You hold me close and continue to guide me on this path with You. I love You, my Lord and my God. Praise be to You ! In Yeshua’s name amen. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.

May you find the joy the Holy Spirit has hidden in your day today. Blessings,

Milly

Footnotes:

¹All scripture is from the King James Version by Public Domain

P.S: You can find MillyReally on GETTR at: https://gettr.com/user/millyreally or @MillyReally on GETTR.