I'm not sure I am cut out for this.

[The Zoo]

There are people here who are raising their chickens as pets (I am one) who happen to lay eggs and people who are raising just for eggs. Someone who has a small backyard flock is going to feel different about her birds than someone who has a larger flock that is nameless. That's just the way it is. If I have to give my rooster Masala away, then I will be broken hearted too.
Try to be a little empathetic.

 

[Rocky Top Chick]

I already feel better knowing that I am not the only one who feels guilty. I knew from the very beginning that I would not be able to cull any of my chickens. It just isn't who I am. Even though my DH hunts and I do help him dress out his kills and this does not feel the same. I made the decision to get these chicks for eggs and I feel as if it my responsilbity to give them a good home and to feel safe, and they did. I am certainly not attached to my chickens as other are, but they are living creatures and deserve to be teated with respect. The girls are already more calm and that is a good thing, but I don't think I need any psychological help. God made me this way

When the girls stop laying..................I will have to cross that bridge when I get there !

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
This is really not about opinions, its about emotions, and they have to be kept in check. If they aren't you can very well become a "collector". We see this all the time with cats here in Syracuse. People who've lost it and have so many cats they end up living in squaller.
As I said none of my chickens have names. Not even "nearly headless nick" and "cowboy curtis". lol. But when it comes time to go they go. Ya gotta do what's best for them, not what you feel. I will miss them, well ok "nearly headless nick". Cowboy curtis is staying.

 

[The Zoo]

Like I said - big difference between a small backyard flock that are raised as pets and a larger flock where it's about egg production and meat.

Sort of the difference between a working dog and a house dog.
I happen to be a house dog kind of person and my chickens have names, are pets and I spoil them with treats and such (like I do all my animals). And I'll be sad to lose any of them and they'll all live right here with me until they die of natural causes.

Of course - I'm not relying on my hens (or other animals) to provide a living for me and that's probably a major difference. Mine are there because I enjoy having them and I like to feel a connection to my food (eggs not meat) and be as self sufficient as I can food-wise.