So, we have a bunch of shorties here, huh .... I used to be 5'6" but I do believe I am a little shorter in my old age.
Purple comb .... what does that mean anyway? I have a couple teenagers that still have pinkish combs, while their hatchmates have bright red combs. I was thinking they must be anemic or something. What causes that pale pink? Speaking of combs, I once had a BCMarans with a black comb! It did finally turn red, when she got to point of lay, but I was hoping it would stay black. It looked really cool, I thought.
Oopppps, there I go, off topic. Sorry.
Thinking of your girls, Cyn, and hoping they are comfortable.
Cyn, I don't know how you do it for so long. When Paris was in the house for those 5 weeks, I was a wreck! and now, Tater has scratched her eye somehow, and is walking around with one eyelid closed. I check on her constantly. With sick birds day in and day out, you must get very tired.
Purple comb can mean too much stress on the circulation/heart. Olivia's abdomen is humongous and there is massive pressure on her lungs, heart and other organs. If she goes down and shows no interest in life at all, we will help her along. Lexie had her second penicillin injection, but honestly, I wonder why I'm doing it. This is pretty much a death sentence.
If she is not in pain, and is still enjoying life, then you are helping her have good last days. I don't know how you tell how much pain they are in , except by their eyes, but you are a good judge of your chickens, you know them well, and you will know when it's time.
Because, as you yourself said, just a few posts back: For all of the love and joy they bring to your life, and how hard they work to produce that precious egg every day, faithfully, year in and year out: You feel that you owe it to them to give them the very best that you can manage.
And that extends to trying to improve the quality of life as well as the duration. We have a better chance of seeing pigs sprout wings and begin to fly, than we ever will of seeing you give up on one of your girls Cyn. So long as they look at you with that sweet twinkle in their eyes, and can draw breath, you know in your heart that there is still time, still a chance for a miracle. Call them what you will, miracles DO happen, every day.
And perhaps there is a miracle lurking in the Great Spirit's bag of tricks............ and maybe there isn't...........All I know is that your caring and compassion isn't limited to just humans Cyn. I see it in every picture you ever post of your birds. It's evident in every feather, every comb, every wattle, every bright and intelligent eye of your babies. That is the proof of your love for your flock in each and every one of them.
I know, down to my toes, that you'll never give up or give in Cyn. Not so long as there is even the slimmest of chances. Ivy, Olivia and Lexie will tell you when they've had enough dear friend. And when they do, I know you'll help them along to the end, albeit reluctantly.
Every day, we say our little silent prayers for your girls Cyn. Know that you're never far from the mind of any of us. If we could, we each would surely lift this burden from your heart.
Cyn,
I'm very sorry that your dear Lexie, Olivia and Ivy are ill. I how you care for them and I feel your pain. Having met them myself makes it more personal for me. I wish there were some miraculous cure I could share or some profound words I might say to help ease the frustration and sadness but all I can do is tell you that as your friend, I care, and I know with all of my heart that you will do the right thing for each one of them. You know them better than anyone and they know they are loved. I can't think of a soul who takes better care of their flock than you.