Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[bgmathteach]

I’m not sure what I would do if I didn’t have Jaffar right here, right now!

 

[featherhead007]

Jaffar doesn’t seem to mind hanging out with me this afternoon. Usually he would be crowing to his ladies by now, but not tonight. He’s doing his best job, as my emotional support rooster.

 

[GregnLety]

Jaffar doesn’t seem to mind hanging out with me this afternoon. Usually he would be crowing to his ladies by now, but not tonight. He’s doing his best job, as my emotional support rooster.

Jaffar knows that you need him more today.

 

[featherhead007]

Jaffar knows that you need him more today.

Very true, but when I took him outside just now, all seven ladies were waiting on the porch of my house (they knew that Jaffar was inside) they are all in the coop now, Jaffar chased them all inside.

 

[Kris5902]

I have a major decision to make today, and I have little time to think it over. It concerns chaco’s quality of life, and the pain that the veterinarian says that she’s been experiencing in the last few days.

I don’t know much about horses, but you and Chaco will be in my prayers.

 

[featherhead007]

I don’t know much about horses, but you and Chaco will be in my prayers.

Thanks Kris, I chose to put Chaco down today. And depression is setting in.

 

[Kris5902]

I am so sorry you are going through this. Other then breaking a leg, colic is my biggest fear for my horses. When it comes to your situation there is no right or wrong answer as both options are bleak. It sounds like it is either surgery or euthanasia. I will give you a little insight on how my thought process would go in a situation like this. First off is age, a young horse is going to have a chance to recover easier then a older horse. If I had to due to their age, I would not put Louis or Russ through colic surgery. Dirt is young and only 5, it would be a option for him. Another consideration is cost. As you now know, colic surgery is not cheap. Added to that there will also be pain management and antibiotics during the recovery. It sounds like you can afford it if you chose in your situation. I'm sure everyone though has a point though where no matter how much we love our animals there is a point where you have to say "if the cost reaches or goes over a x amount of money I won't do it." It sounds harsh, but, we have a emergency fund put back for the horses. If it exceeds that, especially by a good amount, no matter how much we love them our family could struggle. Add to that, besides my family at home there would be 2 other healthy horses who are still going to need basic care and food. Frankly speaking saying all that, if colic turned into a surgical case I would probably opt for euthanasia for all 3 of mine. Another factor I personally have to consider is that none of my local vets have the facilities to offer surgery. I'm looking at a 3 hour trailer ride to Rood and Riddle in Lexington.

We had to put down one of the horses here, Shania, for this in 2020? Or perhaps last year? I can’t recall. She was in such pain, it was awful. Not a situation anyone ever wants to consider, but it is good you have a plan for emergencies, and that’s a very realistic rundown on all the factors that go into such a decision. It’s not like a car or appliance where you can just use a simple formula and go nah, not worth the cost of repair, but having an understanding of all the consequences is important.

 

[knoturavggrl]

I feel like this is a monumental moment. I caught up to the present and made it through all the posts from the beginning of this thread. What a wonderful journey and what a wonderful exchange of knowledge. There is heartbreak, alot of laughter, many touching moments and through it all so much love for chickens and all animals but also for each other. By Bob started a wonderful thing here all those years ago. I hope it continues for many more to come.

 

[Kris5902]

Thanks Kris, I chose to put Chaco down today. And depression is setting in.

Oh Alex, I’m so sorry for your loss. Snuggle with Jaffar, and you will still both be in my prayers.

That’s such a hard decision to face, but I do think you made the right one. I watched one of the horses here suffer with that and she was literally shaking in pain before the people responsible for making the decision (in the absence of the owners) chose the right thing. You are hurting right now, but Chaco isn’t, and that is really the most important. much love my friend. Having fur and feathered family is so hard for us sometimes, but worth it for the difference in their quality of life.

 

[featherhead007]

We had to put down one of the horses here, Shania, for this in 2020? Or perhaps last year? I can’t recall. She was in such pain, it was awful. Not a situation anyone ever wants to consider, but it is good you have a plan for emergencies, and that’s a very realistic rundown on all the factors that go into such a decision. It’s not like a car or appliance where you can just use a simple formula and go nah, not worth the cost of repair, but having an understanding of all the consequences is important.

Trust me, I gave my decision much thought, and heeded advice from others who know what I was up against. Even several friends from here on BYC .