Just lost our runt :(

[hd_darcy]

We've had a runt frizzle since last spring. Got her from a hatchery as a chick. Well, she got to where she didn't even have any feathers, and she was just tiny. Like 25% - 35% the size of the others. However, she got along fine so we didn't give it too much thought. Well, the past week or so it looked like her feathers were even coming back. We were happy for that, of course. Well, I just went to shut the chickens in, and she was lying in the ground about 98% dead

Ugh.... how sad. Poor thing. I feel more guilty that I couldn't end it for her. I'm telling myself that she was out of it, and past the point of suffering. I wrapped her in a towel and set her in the shop.

She was out and about just fine today earlier. Blows my mind she went from normal to that so fast

Is this 'normal' for a runt chicken who apparently had something genetic wrong? Or is it usually more gradual? Could it have been anything related to her trying to lay an egg, or am I way off base?

Any thoughts would be appreciated - thank you!!

 

[nuttyredhead]

I am so sorry. I had a silkie like that. She was always tiny, followed me around like a puppy, never grey from when i got her (4 weeks). Then one day, boom i went in and found her half alive, she died in my arms. I was so sad. I think there was always something wrong, that is why she never grew. At least your little girl was well loved!

 

[Agnella]

So sorry

I have recently learned that these things can just happen.....no warning. I'm sure she knew how much you loved her!

 

[hd_darcy]

Thank you so much! My son just had her in the house a few days ago. That makes me feel better. I won't even be breaking the news to my boys

I'm just going to pretend she's missing. Maybe it won't be as hard on them with a 'gradual loss'. Ugh....

 

[zengrrl]

I just lost my runt - a silkie this morning. Only a week old but went downhill the last 2 days. The worst feeling is not being able to make them better...or end their suffering.