Lately I've been trying to give my chickens more of the love I know they enjoy.... to try and cover the pain some of them are in. Sophia, my sweet, delaware hen who has a twisted back and legs, and has seizures... is in much pain. She is bullied by the other hens. She falls over every 30 seconds. I cannot treat her without a chicken vet. I may be able to get her that, but the costs are what holds me back. Whatever it takes, I will not make her live her life out like this. If it comes to putting her before myself, and trying to understand I can't keep her alive because of the joy and love she gives me everyday.... I will put her to sleep.
I also come to realize being a rescue isn't about trying to keep them alive. Its about making them happy, and to be sure they are having a quality life. If they aren't, I will do what needs to be done... not for myself, but for the bird who has and is constantly been dealing with the pain, and having no voice to tell me, "It's time."
Sophia still enjoys hanging out with Gloria on hot days in the shade...
Gloria has suddenly sparked a interest in.... string. Yes, she acts like a cat,chasing the string in the air, biting it and holding on. Having the enjoyment of a toy... a toy that she herself created. 
Luna stays with the girls, follows the girls and listens to the birds. When a signal goes up of danger, Luna will jump to her feet and listen as well. I sometimes wonder if the birds know that, and purposely leave extra food and scraps for her to 'clean up' at treat time.
A beautiful spider web built on a bed of pines.
Lucy declares this as HER spot, and NO-BODY moves her! (Except Gloria. 
)
Gloria has a new pride and confidence lately, as if being friends with special needs is HER job, to protect and share food with them, cuddle them. As she ages, the respect from the other birds is always growing. I love the pride she shows in this photo. No fear. Nothing stands in her way.
Then I get this "respectful" look... yep, thats Gloria.
Sophia still walks, eats and drinks. She will always be loved and cared for till the end. Until then, I pray for a miracle. That a medication will come out of no where and help her. If it doesn't, I can say in 100 percent certainty, she lived a good life. She never (and hasn't) gave up. She never let herself go. She never lets me see her pain or sadness, only the affection and love that will always flow from that little, spunky bird.
If you are interested, I have a blog that I post in weekly, with updates on the birds and my other animals. I will keep it updated on Sophia. http://thegloriapage.blogspot.com/
I also come to realize being a rescue isn't about trying to keep them alive. Its about making them happy, and to be sure they are having a quality life. If they aren't, I will do what needs to be done... not for myself, but for the bird who has and is constantly been dealing with the pain, and having no voice to tell me, "It's time."
)
If you are interested, I have a blog that I post in weekly, with updates on the birds and my other animals. I will keep it updated on Sophia. http://thegloriapage.blogspot.com/
