You Can’t Outsmart a Big Red Chicken

By Big Red Farm Intern Gabriel Vermut ’27

Every morning, just as the sun starts to rise, I head to the Lawrenceville Big Red Farm with four other Big Red Farm student interns. Eager for another day of farm life, we usually begin with the discovery that a few chickens have escaped from their coop. Taking care of them is a big job, but it's been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at the Farm.

One of the toughest tasks we face is the weekly moving of the chickens from one paddock to another. This is important for keeping the grass fresh and healthy for them, but getting hundreds of chickens to move is no easy task. It takes a lot of coordination, quick thinking, and sometimes just plain luck. Chickens can be pretty stubborn and often lead us on wild chases around the farm. Recently, there was a single curious chicken that wanted to explore every corner of the farm so my friend (and fellow Big Red Farm Intern) Booker Hedges ‘27 and I let it follow us throughout the day and had some serious bonding time with the chicken.

Despite the challenges, spending time with the chickens is a lot of fun. There's something really enjoyable about their curious nature and funny behaviors. Picking them up and feeling their soft feathers, or just watching them wander around, can be surprisingly relaxing. These moments help us connect with the animals and remind us why we love what we do.

And then there are the eggs. Fresh eggs from the Farm are amazing. Collecting them every day feels like a break from farming. The taste of these eggs, with their bright yolks and rich flavor, is a big reward for all our hard work. Knowing that the fresh produce we get from the Farm, and subsequently in our dining halls, comes from our efforts makes those meals special.

In addition to taking care of the chickens, we spend a lot of time learning, planting, and harvesting crops. Each day offers new and invaluable lessons in sustainable farming practices, collaboration, and a sense of accountability. Whether it’s weeding the vegetable garden, watering the plants, or harvesting fresh produce, there’s always something to do and something new to learn. Raising chickens at the Big Red Farm has taught me a lot about responsibility, teamwork, and sustainable farming. It’s shown me how hard work pays off and how much joy comes from taking care of animals. While the chickens can be annoying at times with their wandering, they play a big part in our farm’s ecosystem, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve also learned that no matter how hard you try, you can never outsmart a chicken with a mind of its own.

For additional information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.