Every morning, before the world fully wakes up, I slip into my boots and head outside to start my animal chores. It’s become a rhythm I look forward to—a quiet moment where the homestead and I ease into the day together.
Click here to check out the video Ron made so you can meet all the animals face to face.
My chickens are always the first to greet me. Honestly, they act like I’ve been gone for days instead of just one night. I open the coop, refresh their water, scatter feed, and peek into the nest boxes to see who gifted me breakfast. As I walk through the run, I take a moment to watch them scratch around. They make it pretty obvious if someone isn’t acting right, so I like to give everyone a good once-over while the sunlight is still soft.
Next, I move to the rabbits. They’re quieter, more delicate in their routines, and I’ve learned they appreciate a calm hand. I top off their hay, refill their water, and give each one a little hello. I always check the cages for loose wires or spots they might be chewing. Over time, you learn which rabbits hop right over for attention and which ones prefer to sit back and observe.
Then come the pigs—my loudest morning crew. They are never shy about letting me know it’s feeding time. I haul out their feed, make sure they’ve got plenty of fresh water, and check their wallow or shelter. I also give the fence a quick look because pigs are creative thinkers when it comes to escape plans.
Even though the chores shift with the seasons, this steady, everyday pattern gives me purpose. There’s something honest and grounding about caring for animals. It’s work, yes—but it’s the kind of work that fills my cup every single day.
