LifeSoup by Cherie Dawn Haas

How I went from wanting to “off” my chickens for eating their own eggs to understanding greed, expectations, and inner peace.

by Cherie Dawn Haas

Unlike many people, I didn’t start caring for a flock of backyard chickens for the eggs. So why would I end up considering “offing them” when they began eating their own eggs before I could collect them?

After much reflection, I’ve realized that it came down to a sense of ownership and greed, and the journey versus the destination. 

Chickens Eat Their Own Eggs?

We have 14 chickens that are from five different breeds. The four white leghorns, which were from our first flock, began eating their own eggs a couple of years ago. There are scientific reasons why they do this shocking and grotesque act – they might not be getting enough calcium, for example, and let’s just face it: eggs are delicious. 

How do we know it’s only the leghorns? Because by the time they’ve lapped up that yummy yolk, their white feathers are yellow with glowing evidence and if you ask me, they look very smug. 

Right now, the leghorns have adapted a “one for me, one for you” attitude with the eggs, so we’re able to gather about half of what they lay. It’s enough to feed our little family of four and have a few extra for our dogs (who like them over-easy) and a ½ dozen to share here and there with family or friends. 

Is It Enough?

At one point, I told my husband that I was ready to have the leghorns “processed,” which is a nice way of saying that I would take them to a local poultry farm and pay them to kill, pluck, and clean the chickens, and then we would eat them. 

At the moment, I’m not a vegetarian but that sounds like a terrible thing to do to an animal, especially one that I consider to be a pet. Why would I even consider this?

I thought about it for a long time and realized that it’s because I felt a sense of ownership toward the chickens and their eggs. I bought their food, gave them water and treats, and I felt like I deserved their eggs – all of them. Didn’t I deserve every single egg?

No, I didn’t. Once I let go of my ego and realized that, it was less frustrating to see broken shells in the nesting boxes. They weren’t mine to begin with. What if we can all apply this concept to other ideas in our lives? 

Journey Vs Destination

My yoga practice reminds me that it’s best to not focus on the results of my actions. How? By enjoying every pose that I get into, no matter what level I’m at with it. It’s okay if I don’t look like a pretzel (and it’s okay if I do), because each intentional breath I take is what makes up this beautiful life.

The eggs are the results, and so if that’s not why I got the chickens, then I should let go of the frustration I feel when the eggs are broken. Instead, I can be grateful for every single egg that comes into my kitchen.

Why Chickens, If Not For the Eggs?

Several years ago we moved into a rural area and met some neighbors who became like an extended family. They had about 100 chickens on their farm and, long story short, I fell in love with their sounds. Their clucks and calls and chirps and even their crowing sounded like music to me. 

When they come running to the edge of their coop to greet me, I forget anything else that’s going on in the world and am in a single moment of nature with them. That’s part of the journey, the process. What would I have if I “offed” the leghorns and had more eggs? Guilt…and what mom, or human, needs more of that?

Will I occasionally whisper a colorful phrase when I find a couple of broken eggs at the same time? Probably. Like one of my teachers says: it’s practice, not perfection. 

Please take a minute to think about what’s “eating your eggs” and if it’s something you can let go of, and tell me about it in the comments below.

Peace, love, and poultry,
Cherie Dawn

P.S.
A friend who read my recently published book, “Personified,” told me her favorite poem was one about backyard chickens. You can get a copy of “Personified” here, or ask your local bookseller or library.