My Ivy.. Latest Relapse...She's Gone

[Serrin]

It sounds as though there is hope for Violet at least. I pray the same holds true for Ivy.

Rita, one of our original Golden Sex Link's was looking rather lethargic last night. While everyone else was happily pecking and scratching about, she was just hunkered down under one of the pine trees.

She went to bed earlier than anyone else last night and this morning I feared the worst when I went to let everyone out. But, there she was, first one at the gate, ready to go out and find what goodies the day had to offer. I was so relieved.

It's hard enough to lose a bird suddenly, without warning. It's absolute agony when you're pretty sure it's coming soon.

I do understand Cyn...really, I do.....

 

[speckledhen]

I know you do understand and I really appreciate the support. Violet looks worse than Ivy, however, at least she is still eating.

I remember Violet's sister, Lorelei, my single combed SLW, was following my husband around the property and right under him as he dug holes. She had to be right on the edge to get worms and bugs before anyone else. At the time, she could barely stand and weighed almost nothing, but she still was interested in her surroundings and life. That night, I put her in the brooder because she couldn't roost anymore. She pushed herself halfway up the side while laying down, like she was trying to breathe by taking pressure off somehow. Then she quit noticing anything and wouldn't open her eyes. I took her out and held her and she died in my arms in a couple of minutes. And that's how it's been going.

I realize that to many, chickens are just livestock, almost furniture in a room, not being noticed, but just functioning, disposable. Those folks may not really understand anything I'm saying or feeling. They may not even notice when one of their birds is feeling off or looking odd and then they just scoop up and dispose of the body when the bird dies, never asking why or really even caring sometimes. I can't do that- Just not in my nature. I can still remember every one of my girls and her own special personality and voice. They are really special creatures if you just take the time to notice and get to know them.

 

[WriterofWords]

One thing I try and teach my students is that all animals are living, breathing, beings. Not toys, not entertainment, but living beings. And when that light goes out they are dead, and we need to appreciate them as much as possible. I love my animals, more than I ever cared about many humans.

 

[TheChickenShrink]

Cynthia, I really understand what you mean about noticing when something is wrong about our feathered ladies and gents.

It's hard to describe, but I have this "sixth sense" about our chicken. I'm always the first here to notice that something is wrong with one of them, and I usually can tell which one is about to leave us. I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse though, because it pains me so much to see them suffer.

Again, many hugs!

Pierre

 

[TheChickenShrink]

Quote:
I can really relate to that, but I'm often scared that people will think I'm nuts if I say it out loud. I don't know how they do it, but these little creatures have put a spell on me. It's been just over a year now for me, and I already can't imagine my life without them around anymore. No other animal has ever had this effect on me. What is it with chicken, can you tell me? And yes, I have more respect for my chicken than quite a few people I've met in my life...

Ciao!

 

[speckledhen]

Violet won't make it through the day. We are trying to get up the strength to euthanize her. She's been eating and drinking and hanging around in the coop, but today, she went down the ramp in the rain and got underneath the coop with the others. When DH brought them inside, she just lay there with her eyes closed and he had to crawl under and get her. Right now, she is in Zane's playpen on the deck. I got her some blueberries, the only thing she'll even try to eat. She ate a few then refused anymore. She wont drink and she just looks "shrunken" in her wattles and comb. It's time. Three years and seven months old. Hardly any age for a well-cared for hen, really.

 

[Serrin]

Quote:
Let them think whatever they want Shrink. All that matters is what's in your heart!

Frankly, I don't give a hoot or a holler what people think about my obsession with chickens. If they want to think I'm nuts and give me a wide berth, all the better says I! I don't much care for people in general anyhow!

No chicken ever tried to harm me, or mess with me, or just make my life unpleasant in any way, shape or form. If people brought as much joy, pleasure and relaxation that just watching my flock brings to me, I'd probably love people to pieces! But, sadly, they don't! So to heck with the ones that just don't get it. They probably don't understand "puppy sighs" either!

Cyn

I wish for you the courage and strength for what you feel must be done. I'm so sorry that it has come to this. You're right...3+ years is too short by far. The good ones leave us all too soon.

I so wish it were otherwise for you and little Violet. Please, let us know how it goes and know that I'm thinking about you, Violet, Ivy....the whole gang at your place. I wish I could be there to give you a real hug. I know how horribly hard this is to do.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Cyn, I'm so sorry.

 

[HippieChickens]

I understand what you're going through, Cynthia, and my heart is breaking for you.

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you all so much. We brought the playpen into the livingroom since Vi seemed like she wanted to hide from the light. She is resting with her wing over the little Falcons helmet pillow that Zane rests on and we can see every move she makes. This won't go past today; I won't let her be this way one more day, no matter how hard it is on us.