Of
all my duties here at the ranch, one that embodies the lessons of
responsibility I have learnt is the chickens. Initially I thought
that this was a lesser task, a menial duty that had little impact on
the ranch. However, I was quickly proven wrong and realized how much
of a commitment it is to caring for the chickens here.
Each
morning I needed to investigate the coop and check on the chickens,
which alone became a daily responsibility. Alongside this I was to
provide the chickens their food and water supply each morning without
fail. This was something I could not neglect as it would cost the
chickens greatly. This may seem an exaggeration but it is undoubtedly
a test of responsibility. Should I have ever forgot to feed them or
provide water, this would show a lack of responsibility on my part.
One mistake would have major repercussions on the health of the
chickens and so by making this a daily responsibility I came to see
how important it is to always follow through with such things.
It
was entirely down to me to then let the chickens out each morning
during the warm season and provide food to them. I was to constantly
count them and ensure all chickens were safe, each and every one.
Once
the night came I was expected to have the chickens all inside the
coop by a certain time with an adequate food and water supply. This
involved ensuring all chickens were accounted for, none could be
neglected. I could not ignore even one, that would have been an
incomplete job and so a failure of my personal responsibilities.
The
aforementioned duties were highlighted even more so once the winter
season began to set in. With the temperatures falling this meant I
had to ensure the water supply would not freeze and that the coop
maintained a warm temperature for the chickens. This would not fulfill
itself and was again my personal responsibility, should I have done
nothing, the chickens would have no water and very likely freeze to
death. Caring for the chickens was not to be taken lightly and with
the changing circumstances due to winter, I saw how responsibility
meant being able do adapt, to find alternatives whilst never
neglecting your job. A combination of the cold and chickens taught me
that. How inspiringly peculiar.
As
well as the chickens themselves, I also had the daily duty of
collecting eggs and occasionally maintaining the cleanliness of the
coop. These together show that caring for chickens is no basic task.
It is a compilation of duties and responsibilities, each and every
one a test of my own personal commitment to my job. Should I neglect
even one it would have a notable impact. I was not asked or reminded
to carry out these duties, that responsibility was my own and I knew
it.
By
taking onboard all these duties I saw through the chickens how
important it is to be committed to all aspects of your job. One
neglectful act will have consequences.
And
so, and with thanks to the chickens of Chilcotin Holidays, I have an
understanding of true responsibility. It seems responsibility comes
before the chicken and the egg.
