06/10/2026
Possible trigger warning? Idk, but I’m proud.
Hands-on biology lesson on the homestead today. After losing a rooster overnight, Sawyer (12-year-old) took the lead on performing a diagnostic necropsy to check for internal parasites. He practiced excellent biosecurity (gloves and face protection!) and carefully dissected the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts section by section. It was incredible watching him identify the anatomy—from the muscular gizzard and gallbladder to the ceca. A healthy liver ruled out major systemic diseases, leaving us with a clear diagnosis of gut inflammation (likely coccidiosis) so we can treat the rest of the flock. Homestead life teaches the best lessons! It also brings the highest highs and the lowest of lows. Right now, we have another rooster fighting for his life from the same gut infection. It looks grim, but my boy is determined to apply what he just learned and try to save him. Even when the odds are stacked against us, he wants to do the work. I am so proud of his resilience, his empathy, and his dedication to our flock today. Say a little prayer for our Frat Flock please!
