I've lost 3 chickens since becoming a first time chicken owner in May. I'm sick of it. It's just tearing me up. This time it was my favorite girl... my Ameraucana. I went out of town for a weekend (boyfriend was home taking care of them) and when I returned she was all puffed up. She declined quickly from there to mucus coming from her beak and nose last night and this morning, totally despondent as I was taking her to the vet. The vet recommended putting her down b/c she was so far gone. So I did. I spent some time with her before they took her back. She was sleeping but opened her eyes once and I noticed one of her eyes was blood red... dr. said she may have burst a blood vessel. So, I know I made the right choice but it's so hard when it's your favorite. I now have 3 left and they seem unsure what's going on. She was pretty much the ring leader. I'm so sad for them, too... although, I'm sure they'll get over it much faster than I will.
