Any kind words?

[FluffyButtBabies]

Hi everyone! I hate to be a downer, so if you don't want to be depressed please don't read this post. So we have a pullet named Muffin. She's is very dear to us, but was born with some crazy internal defects. We can see her heart beating through her skin. If you want a backstory, here's the thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-can-see-her-heart.1396207/

We new she wouldn't be able to live for very long, because there were clearly several problems with her. We're so lucky to have been able to spend a couple months with this sweet baby. Unfortunately, last night she began having breathing struggles...and this morning she's so far gone that we don't expect her to last through the day.

The worst bit is, today is my mother's birthday. She is absolutely heartbroken about our chicken, and can't stop crying. She blames herself for Muffin's dying state, which is nonsense, but I can't convince her otherwise. She keeps saying "maybe I let her get too hot, maybe if I didn't let her live outside" and crazy things like that. So the gist of this post is: Can anybody share some kind or comforting words for my mom? It's got to be the worst birthday she's ever had, and I know she'll keep blaming Muffin's problems on herself.

Thank you all SO much!

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

Sometimes you can't save them all, and I'm sure that you gave Muffin the absolute best care that you could. Sometimes that's all you can do before they leave you for greener pastures.

 

[Fourchicken07855]

Oh my goodness. I am so sorry to hear this but I would just like to reassure your Mum that there was nothing she could have done, although she may feel like this is not true right now. Muffin will know that she has been loved whether she makes it or not. Losing a chicken is hard, I know that from experience,but knowing that they are in a better place where they won’t suffer is what you need to focus on. Your mum sounds amazing amd the fact that Muffin got to spend those months with her makes her one lucky chicken!
I am so sorry and hope your mum feels better soon

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

First of all, Happy Birthday!
Please don't blame yourself for this! Very sad things happen in life. The sin curse did some terrible things! Don't blame yourself! Maybe instead of being sad (even thought loosing someone you love is awful) try to think of good things. Like, what a good life this young chicken had! And that Muffin was yours, and not some factory farm's!
God bless, and may you have His perfect peace during this hard time!

 

[Tamdog]

I am sorry for your mom. I hope she finds some peace in order to enjoy the day of her birth. It sounds like this baby chick had problems even while inside the egg, so there was nothing anyone could have done after its birth to change that or fix it. To offer it several months of kindness and care on your part was an amazing act of love. Let the baby chicks life be a source of joy and let it go in peace. Tell your mom that I think that to enjoy her birthday celebrating the fact that ya'll are wonderful caregivers would be appropriate. It seems to me she raised a wonderful daughter ( I am assuming you are a daughter).

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Yes, I'm her daughter. You guys are all so sweet! Can anyone else add?

 

[Chicalina]

Sometimes nature just gets it wrong. Many people would have culled at hatch, but you gave your little one a chance. Take comfort that you did your best, and much more than many would do. The chick was never going to make it long term and its nobody's fault. It just happens sometimes. But it had very good care for its life.

 

[NatJ]

After the chick dies, would it help to cut the body open and see just how messed up she was?
"Look where her heart is! There's no way you could have caused that. I'm surprised she lived this long--you took great care of her!"

Note: I do not know your mother. You will have to judge whether this idea would make things better or worse-- I know it's not right for everyone.

For some people, it helps to talk of the chicken going to Heaven or a Better Place or Over the Rainbow Bridge or somewhere else happy. Again, this is one of those things that helps some people and not others, so use your own judgement.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

I’m so sorry, Muffin seemed to be a great bird.
I would just tell your Mother it wasn’t anyone’s fault. None of you could’ve helped, it wasn’t fixable. She couldn’t of made it worse, if anything you keeping Muffin alive made it so much better. Just know, after Muffin passes, she won’t be in pain. She lived a great life, a much better one than if she had been living in a factory farm.

 

[Crestcrazy2]

I'm so sorry about muffin . Tell your mother she gave muffin the best life possible and that no one was better fit to give her such an amazing life !

Maybe your mother can read thru this thread . Also happy birthday !