30. THE FARM

The Farm is one of several animal breeding sites in the Zone.  These sites specialize in prodigiously breeding small animals to be used for food.  Rabbits are the most popular choices, but rats, guinea pigs, and gerbils are also quite popular.  Many of these places also breed dogs, cats and chickens, but they are more expensive as they take longer to breed and mature. 

The Farm itself consists of a two story building, that may have once been a Jewish private school.  The upper floors consist primarily of holding pens.  The bottom floor of the northern side of the building is for treating the meats and hides of the animals, while the first floor of the southern half of the building has become a restaurant.  The fur is generally shipped out of the Zone and sold to high end furriers at inflated prices. The basement of the building is where they slaughter the animals.

The Farm, and places like it are one of the few places to get fresh meat in the Zone.  Many denizens of the Zone actually breed their own small animals for food, though in much smaller numbers. 

It sounds odd, but because of breeding houses like this, people in the Zone tend to get fresh meat far more than many in the city.  Granted it’s the meat of rodents and street animals, but it beats kibble and scop.

The Farm is run by the James Trafalger and his family.  James and his son Donald take care of the animals, while his wife Connie and daughter Mags handle the restaurant.  They also often employ local kids or the neighborhood homeless to help out with the care of the animals, though few last long.

Written By Deric Bernier,

For questions, complaints, criticisms and suggestions, e-mail the author:wisdom000@gmail.com