My 8 year old, as it turns out, WAS the hatchet man. Luke got to experience killing a chicken first hand. He helped catch, kill, and de-feather the birds. The only thing he didn't do is clean them. Mike's friend gutted and cleaned them. Luke handled it like a trooper. He is very proud of himself, as am I.
My intentions for Trevor and Adam was to keep them in the house while the chickens were being "processed", but I failed. Trevor was all consumed with watching his big brother BE the hatchet man. I grew weary of literally fighting with him that I became one of those moms....you know the ones who cave so they don't have to hear the crying, screaming, name calling, etc. He even locked me out of the house so that he could watch from the kitchen. He is a sensitive one and I fear that tonight I will pay the price for letting him get his way. I fear that I will wake to a traumatized boy who cries out from a bad dream. Adam found it to be "no big deal." He is very laid back and doesn't get worked up about things like Trevor does. I don't think I have to worry too much about him having bad dreams. I guess tonight will be the test for all 3 of them.
All in all, everything went smoothly. Two of the chickens are going to be live food for a burmese python, one rooster was saved at Trevor's request, and the other 12 are either in my freezer or going home with my BIL's friend who helped make this happen. I am just happy to say it is over. Now we can clean the coop, lay down fresh shavings, and wait patiently for the arrival of our new flock of birds.
