What makes farm life exciting is the fact that every time a farmer is confronted with a problem, there are always practical solutions.
A month ago, when the rains started to fall and the crows attacked our chicks in the free-range, I decided to adjust my brooding method by keeping the chicks in brooders until after all the vaccination programs are completed.
I rushed the construction of makeshift brooders where I reared the chicks for 45 days but with over 1,000 chicks hatched weekly, our farm workers could not build the brooders fast enough.
In overcrowded pens, I saw an emerging problem – feather-picking among the chicks.
Since they are confined in a small area, the chicks tend to be restless.
Feather-picking is a serious problem because when chicks start to peck on the young feathers of other chicks, it will open a bloodied wound.
Unchecked, they could continue pecking until the wounded chick dies.
I have always believed in the saying: “Every crisis offers opportunities.”
Indeed, every problem has a solution and yesterday, I found one.
Since I have planted so many Malunggay or Moringa in the farm, I asked one of the boys to gather Malunggay leaves in full length stalks.
Then, we tied the Malunggay stalks with the green leaves and hoisted these in the middle of the pen just high enough for the chicks to reach.
Instantly, we were able to create a diversionary activity for the chicks who gathered around the hoisted Malunggay stalks and pecked on the green leaves.
Not only did we discover a practical solution to a problem in the farm. Feeding them Malunggay leaves actually would work wonders for the chicks as Moringa contains high protein which is good for them.
Another day, another discovery.
This is the beauty of farm life.
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