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Do Chickens Mourn ?

post #1 of 47
12/16/10 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 

Last night I had a very ill chicken, Lucy. She was severely prolapsed. With help from BYCer's and my DH we culled her.
Now I have an issue with her sisters AND ROO... Earl. When I took her out of the coop last night , the others paced and squawked incessantly.
Today they are all standing by the fence line...pacing and Earl keeps crowing. The crow sound is slightly different, but you wouldn't know it if you didn't know Earl. I think I'll give them their treats early today. Any suggestions or input???

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post #2 of 47
12/16/10 at 11:23am

Yes, IMO they absolutely do mourn.  All they know is that something is not right in their little world. 

A little story, that I swear is true - My Lil'Bit, recently killed by a hawk, was my baby.  She couldn't see well, so she learned early on to wait for my help to get on the roosts at night.  As it was getting dark, she would stand just inside the door of the coop and peek around the corner to watch for me.  As soon as she spotted me she would jump out of the coop and come running into my arms.  As I placed her on the roost, she'd always make a sweet, content-sounding noise. 
Since she's been gone, I have missed our little routine alot.  Another one of my hens, Lilith (the outcast) often befriended Lil'Bit.  About two weeks ago, Lilith developed the same habit Lil'Bit had.  She waits by the coop door for me to pick her up and put her on a roost, though she can see just fine.  She makes the same sort of content "thank you" when I set her down.  I know it's not true, but it's almost as if Lilith knows I need that comfort. 

I'm so sorry for your loss.  hugs

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever - Winnie the Pooh
I'll never develop a thick skin.  Thick skin leads to a hard heart and I never want to be one of those people. 

A slave to LF brahmas, seramas, runner ducks, call ducks, two geese that are my feathered children, and a crossbeak silkie X named Dragon. 

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If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever - Winnie the Pooh
I'll never develop a thick skin.  Thick skin leads to a hard heart and I never want to be one of those people. 

A slave to LF brahmas, seramas, runner ducks, call ducks, two geese that are my feathered children, and a crossbeak silkie X named Dragon. 

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post #3 of 47
12/16/10 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 

Ohhh That is so sweet. Thank You for the thoughts. Their behavior wouldn't seem odd if it weren't for their chicken-ness. I sure miss her... Lucy was the "Grand-Dam" of the group. I hear that "missing" tone in your voice too.  hit

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post #4 of 47
12/16/10 at 2:55pm

I believe they mourn as well.

A couple weeks ago, we lost one of our Leghorn hens and her chick (our only broody on the farm to sit on an egg through to hatching) to a Coyote.  The rest of the the week, the other birds were mopey, wanted lots of attention and in general acted sad.  I gave all the attention I could, which seemed to make them happy.

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post #5 of 47
12/16/10 at 3:08pm

Mine must be pretty tough nuts...they drink the blood of the fallen.  Maybe to toast the dead?  tongue

If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?  Please think about it. 

Info we all need to know:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDDGl79x4Pc&feature=my_favorites&list=FLIvzTTPS3Bg-qsbs8VPh__Q


 

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If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?  Please think about it. 

Info we all need to know:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDDGl79x4Pc&feature=my_favorites&list=FLIvzTTPS3Bg-qsbs8VPh__Q


 

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post #6 of 47
12/16/10 at 3:57pm
Thread Starter 

sickbycyuckyucksickbyc

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post #7 of 47
12/16/10 at 4:13pm

Is this really a serious Question ? I just don't see the point.

                                                                                               AL

Standard White Cornish, Dark's & White laced Red Cornish Breeder..........If you don't have Cornish you don't have Chickens. Breeding the best, to the best.
As good as a few and better than most, What You'll Tolerate in your flock is what you'll get.
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Standard White Cornish, Dark's & White laced Red Cornish Breeder..........If you don't have Cornish you don't have Chickens. Breeding the best, to the best.
As good as a few and better than most, What You'll Tolerate in your flock is what you'll get.
Reply
post #8 of 47
12/16/10 at 4:20pm

Al6517 I don't understand why youfelt the need to ridicule this person. barnie You entered, read it, then criticize? One does not enter if the intent is other than to help. There are rules her you know so be kind.

Mom to wonderful young man in the USAF, wife to an amazing husband, owner of 2 Border Terriers, Jack and Hannah, & 1 Black Cocker Spaniel named Katie. Keeper of 2 adorable coops which house my Light and Dark Brahmas (standard and bantam), EE mixes, and my d'Anvers which I have in Dun Quail.

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Mom to wonderful young man in the USAF, wife to an amazing husband, owner of 2 Border Terriers, Jack and Hannah, & 1 Black Cocker Spaniel named Katie. Keeper of 2 adorable coops which house my Light and Dark Brahmas (standard and bantam), EE mixes, and my d'Anvers which I have in Dun Quail.

Reply
post #9 of 47
12/16/10 at 4:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NottinghamChicks 

Al6517 I don't understand why youfelt the need to ridicule this person. barnie You entered, read it, then criticize? One does not enter if the intent is other than to help. There are rules her you know so be kind.


thumbsup

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever - Winnie the Pooh
I'll never develop a thick skin.  Thick skin leads to a hard heart and I never want to be one of those people. 

A slave to LF brahmas, seramas, runner ducks, call ducks, two geese that are my feathered children, and a crossbeak silkie X named Dragon. 

Reply

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever - Winnie the Pooh
I'll never develop a thick skin.  Thick skin leads to a hard heart and I never want to be one of those people. 

A slave to LF brahmas, seramas, runner ducks, call ducks, two geese that are my feathered children, and a crossbeak silkie X named Dragon. 

Reply
post #10 of 47
12/16/10 at 4:26pm

Removed by Staff
AL!!!!  big_smile  lol

If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?  Please think about it. 

Info we all need to know:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDDGl79x4Pc&feature=my_favorites&list=FLIvzTTPS3Bg-qsbs8VPh__Q


 

Reply

If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?  Please think about it. 

Info we all need to know:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDDGl79x4Pc&feature=my_favorites&list=FLIvzTTPS3Bg-qsbs8VPh__Q


 

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