My Heart is Broken

[mschickiemama]

Good Morning All -
I had to wait a little bit to post this as it was just too sad. My beloved "Daisy Chicken" died on Thanksgiving morning. She was the girl who I nursed back from the brink of death in May/June. She become my sweet pet. She loved me and followed me and came to me when I called her. She was no ordinary chicken. She had personality. I was even starting a little blog for her. About a week before she passed I noticed she wasn't eating well, losing just a little weight, and kind of keeping to herself. So I brought her in and started all the life saving techniques I used back in May that worked. It didn't work this time - I couldn't save her. She passed away in my arms. I am tearing up just writing about this. I just loved her so much. I've decided I am the most unlucky new chicken keeper ever. Everything that can go wrong or that a chicken keeper could do wrong - I have managed to experience or do. I hope my remaining flock survives "me" because I just love them. Not to mention the incredible "condo" my husband is just about finished building for them. They give me such great joy.
Lisa

I'm sorry

 

[JedJackson]

You went above and beyond for her and it sounds like she was well worth it. All of us have been through this, and all of us have had problems and made mistakes when raising chickens, so don't feel like you are alone. Remember the good times and remember that you gave her a great life.

 

[MageofMist]

I know how you feel. My beloved Chinese Painted Quail, Rex, died from old age in my hands last night, being around 3-4 years old. Even though it was due to his age, I still blamed myself thinking I could have done something to help him, even though I gave him honey water, fed him some mealworms and kept him warm in hopes of recovery like I did the last time he went all fluffed up and lethargic, but it didn't work this time and he passed in my hands.

He was my very first quail, and I was heartbroken over it despite doing everything I could to save him. His mate, Speckles, also doesn't have much time left and I am dreading when it happens... But they have had many wonderful babies, one clutch that they even raised themselves, and were the most spoiled quail in the world. Rex would run up to me food-peeping, as he knew that would get him treats... I already deeply miss him.


Here he is with a clutch of 3 blue-faced chicks, 3 red breasted chicks and one blue-faced cinnamon that he and his mate blessed me with, and he was a wonderful and very attentive father.

 

[lmdengler]

I know how you feel. My beloved Chinese Painted Quail, Rex, died from old age in my hands last night, being around 3-4 years old. Even though it was due to his age, I still blamed myself thinking I could have done something to help him, even though I gave him honey water, fed him some mealworms and kept him warm in hopes of recovery like I did the last time he went all fluffed up and lethargic, but it didn't work this time and he passed in my hands.

He was my very first quail, and I was heartbroken over it despite doing everything I could to save him. His mate, Speckles, also doesn't have much time left and I am dreading when it happens... But they have had many wonderful babies, one clutch that they even raised themselves, and were the most spoiled quail in the world. Rex would run up to me food-peeping, as he knew that would get him treats... I already deeply miss him.

View attachment 1199242
Here he is with a clutch of 3 blue-faced chicks, 3 red breasted chicks and one blue-faced cinnamon that he and his mate blessed me with, and he was a wonderful and very attentive father.

I must be so cool to watch the parents with the chicks.

 

[MageofMist]

I must be so cool to watch the parents with the chicks.

It was, I thought they'd spend more time under their parents though... Nope, they were running about all over the place, making me have to block some parts off in the cage to stop them from getting lost. They'd zoom back "whee"ing, snuggle for a minute, then run off to explore and get into trouble again... Though they stampeded over whenever they heard mama or/and papa tidbitting, jumping up and snapping out whatever was in their beaks before they could even lower it!

 

[FrankieDoodle]

It was, I thought they'd spend more time under their parents though... Nope, they were running about all over the place, making me have to block some parts off in the cage to stop them from getting lost. They'd zoom back "whee"ing, snuggle for a minute, then run off to explore and get into trouble again... Though they stampeded over whenever they heard mama or/and papa tidbitting, jumping up and snapping out whatever was in their beaks before they could even lower it!

Aw, cute!

 

[oldhen2345]

BarredRockMom, you are the best. Your post gave Imdengler the words and support that we all feel but could not express. I cried as I read both posts. Yes, we love our chickens and we will see them again. But thank you for making the loss of one a little easier. I also keep feathers from my special girls. I collect them as I go about the yard, making sure I have pretty ones from each, so when the time comes, I can remember the good times, not just the end.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I also collect the prettiest feathers when I’m doing yard work. I have at least 1 from all of my past chickens.

 

[BantammChick]

At least you tried to save her.

 

[BarredRockMom]

BarredRockMom, you are the best. Your post gave Imdengler the words and support that we all feel but could not express. I cried as I read both posts. Yes, we love our chickens and we will see them again. But thank you for making the loss of one a little easier. I also keep feathers from my special girls. I collect them as I go about the yard, making sure I have pretty ones from each, so when the time comes, I can remember the good times, not just the end.