Starting in the summer of 2020, some Monmouth faculty and students have got to enjoy the eggs of the farm’s feathered friends, the chickens. Out at the Educational Farm on 12th Street, there are 20 chickens (18 hens and two Roosters) from a mix of different breeds (Buckeye, Spotted Sussex, Rhode Island Red, Old English Game, and whatever Thingumy and Bob are).
Every summer since 2020, new chickens have been purchased from other local chicken raisers, or they have been sent to the college through the mail as babies. They come in a medium size package with breathing holes. Unfortunately, not all the baby chicks survive the journey, or they get sick during the trip and are too young to have a chance to recover.
The intern and farm supervisor, Eric Engstrom, have named several chickens. Henry was the name of the coop’s last rooster. Also around the coop, you can also find Henrietta, Kevin, and the black and white chickens, Thingumy and Bob.
One faculty member who has received eggs from the farm on weekly basis is Andre Audette, a political science professor. He said, “they are better tasting than what you can get in a store. They have a more robust flavor.” Audette and his family have enjoyed eggs from the farm since early in the summer. “A fun part of getting our eggs from the farm was taking our kids out there to see where the eggs they eat for breakfast came from.”
Two Sundays ago, the corpse of a nameless rooster was found near the coop. Those closest to him have been notified of his passing. A service was held in his honor on November 6th, 2022.
Jacob Duncan - Staff Writer