MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

I am sad for you both too.

Thanks Lozzy. It's not easy. It's almost enough for me to reconsider keeping chickens, but on the whole, I think I do more good than harm.

 

[RoyalChick]

Thanks Lozzy. It's not easy. It's almost enough for me to reconsider keeping chickens, but on the whole, I think I do more good than harm.

 

[MaryJanet]

With The Tomboy inside, there hasn't been a peep from the chicken run this morning. So maybe The Vulture is not ready for crowing yet. Perhaps it was The Tomboy doing those "ooooooo" practice crows all along? If so, that makes me extra glad I changed my mind about sending The Vulture to the vet last week. Right now, he's sitting down in the comfy spot and preening his wings.

I've had my breakfast outside and it's been nice to watch the cat playing and the chickens wandering about and having their morning snacks. There are seven food dispensers in the run and almost all of them were eaten from. I like maintaining an excess of food dispensers so the timid ones can get at some food undisturbed by others.

That said, there is one food dispenser none of them ever use. I say that, yet they do use it when it's placed in a different position. It's one of the poly pipe feeders. One position has three escape routes and the other has only two escape routes. When either poly pipe feeder is in the position with three escape routes, it gets eaten from.

One hour before we go to the vet...

 

[MaryJanet]

Interesting behaviour note: The Vulture just told his sister off for fighting with Erica.

Erica seems to either look for The Tomboy or scamper about as usual.

 

[MaryJanet]

I assume there's a surgery for cockerels that removes their voice. Is that more cruel than an early death?

Also, it would lead to dozens of future cockerels. So it seems to create problems rather than solve them.

 

[MaryJanet]

I made a note on the appointment that I'd be willing to rehome him if anyone at the vet wanted a cockerel and he might have a new home in Willunga!!! The vet's sister has chooks.

Fingers crossed

 

[MaryJanet]

They've set him up in one of the hospital rooms for the day while they try to find him a home.

 

[MaryJanet]

I've just said goodbye. He was eating treats (the corn but not the crickets) and looking around the lab. Hopefully they'll find him a home. If not, he'll be put to sleep later on.

 

[MaryJanet]

I'm feeling quite sad about the Tomboy. I hope he has a home soon.

What can I do for penance? I'll deep clean and refresh the nests, rake out the run, sweep with the magnet, and donate to an animal sanctuary.

 

[RoyalChick]

I'm feeling quite sad about the Tomboy. I hope he has a home soon.

What can I do for penance? I'll deep clean and refresh the nests, rake out the run, sweep with the magnet, and donate to an animal sanctuary.

Those are all lovely things to do, and some at least will distract you from the sadness. But in my view no penance is really needed. You gave him a lovely little life which he would not have had the chance to enjoy without you.