I'll Miss You, Bonnie (And Some Related Questions)

[Mrs. K]

Sometimes Chickens just die, do not feel guilty. Most of us have had them die. Discouraging, I know... but often times chickens are not real long lived. If you take care of them, there really is not more one can do.

I see posts on here of people with very old chickens, but that is more an exception than a run of the norm. Some chickens will live longer, some won't. I too think a lot has to do with genetics, the comb color indicates heart problems to me.

As my granddaughter say, "Well that is too bad, but now we can get more chicks!"

 

[microchick]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Bonnie was such a pretty girl. I love her face. @Mrs. K took the words right out of my mouth. Sometimes no matter what you do right, they just seem to want to die.

We tried our hand raising sheep some 9 years ago. When we told our vet (also a sheep raiser) about our new endeavor he just chuckled and asked us if we had dug a hole yet. When we said no, we hadn't and asked him why, he just chuckled and said, Sheep just love to die.

I've been keeping chickens now for 3 years, having had them around most of my childhood and getting back into them in my 60s as a retirement hobby. I've been fighting Marek's disease the past year and told my husband recently that chickens remind me a lot of sheep, only the holes you have to dig are a lot smaller.

I know it doesn't help the hurt, but if you raise chickens long enough, you are going to suffer losses. Just please don't give up on the experience. You gave Bonnie a great life. She was very lucky to have a pampering, conscientious and loving chicken mom and I know you will be showering your remaining girls with attention.

Plus, remember that chickens are low on the food chain. Acting sick usually means being pushed to the bottom of the pecking order and if they live in the wild, the bird most likely to wind up on an apex predator's dinner plate. By the time they let you know that they are ill, they are at death's door and there is many times little that you can do for them other than let their little souls fly free.

Spring is just around the corner. Hatcheries are sending out catalogs. Feed stores will be getting in adorable little fuzz balls. Give in to the temptation! Bless you.and fly free little Bonnie.

 

[Sunshine009]

@LJoWilly @Hamiam , @microchick @Mrs. K Thank you all so much! It really warms my heart and takes the edge off of all this to have such supportive people to turn to.