My Ivy.. Latest Relapse...She's Gone

Oh, Cyn, this is just so heartbreaking. If anyone doesn't think chickens have feelings they just have to watch their flock. God Bless you for all you do.

I had to let Lexie back into the coop and she went right to the nest. While she is sitting, Ivy climbed up to the landing bar in front of Lexie to wait for her. They are so sweet together.

It's going to be so hard on Lexie to lose her. You'll have to support each other in grieving.

Ivy you have so many supporters behind you willing you to make it that you dare not let us all down! You must prove all of us wrong - you have a VERY special Mum who loves and cares so much for you as we all do in support of you and Cynthia - we need that miracle NOW for you Ivy and for Cynthia who has worked so very hard for not only you but all of her chickens - she is one very dedicated Mum so don't let her down - I know you won't if you can - go for it Ivy.... make it for Mum's sake and for all of is who are willing you to not only survive but have a long and healthy life - you are in the best hands you could have ever wished for - you are so lucky....! Bless you and your Mum!
Suzie

Oh Cyn I am just heart broken you are going through this. When I look at Lexie and Ivy I see my annabelle and pumpkin, hatched from your eggs.




They are always together to.

I am sending you lots of hugs Cyn

Karen

Karen, I don't think I've ever seen a pic of Annabelle and Pumpkin before-thanks for posting it! Saw a pic of Jasper on your sale ad. That boy looks exactly like his brother, Dutch!

Quote:
Stop! You're making me blush!

Seriously though: What I say, comes from the heart of one who loves chickens, and is said to the heart of another who loves chickens. I don't know anything about having a way with words. But I do know that your heart and my heart speak the same language. As do all here who love their chickens.

How is Ivy this morning, Cynthia?

Ivy wanted to come into the yard, so she's out roaming, eating bugs and picking at the grass a bit. That woman is so darn tough, even in her terminal condition, she walked up to Suede's screen door and faced off with Dusty! I could not believe that she would puff up and get in anyone's face, as weak as she is. She's moving slower than any turtle I've ever seen. Tom says she's the queen of this flock and is still showing it. I do think it's true, that she became head hen after Violet died. Her color goes in and out and she's hanging on longer than either of us expected. Amazing fortitude she has!

Observation I've made in my flock since I know each one very well and spend so much time with them: when the first head hen, Ruby, was dying, Violet stood guard over her, then we were fairly certain that she became head hen. When Violet was dying, Ivy stood guard over her, and we were positive she became head hen. It seems like they are passing the torch to the next queen. I'm not sure if that means Lexie will be head hen or if she is just there because she and Ivy grew up together and had no one else till they were old enough to join the flock, but could very well be. Lexie is a tough cookie as well, though she is small for a standard BR hen.

Cynthia, that is astounding. Not only that she is still hanging in there, but she knows she is still the Queen. I bet they did pass it on to each other- what a treasure we all have under our noses! I hope she has a wonderful day in the yard. I really enjoyed the little video clips of her and Lexie.