Please tell me "They're only chickens!"

[YaySarahC]

I lived with Mr. Dreamboat and we got chickens. We raised them from a day old, named them. Dreamboat turned into a verbally abusive nightmare. He broke up with me, I moved out, and we are now "friends". Basically the same deal, just no commitment or faithfulness. Needless to say, I'm sick of it and done with it.

SO - the chicken part. We still co-own the chickens. I have room at my place for maximum 4 or so depending on if the association allows it, and I mentioned that I would like some. He said I have to take them all (2 turkeys, 5 ducks, 9 chickens), or I can't take any. Most likely because he knows this is impossible. He said if we ever "broke up", he would get rid of them ASAP, because he's just keeping them around for my sake, being the magnanimous and caring individual that he is.

Which leaves me to stick around for his use and amusement for however long it takes for all of my feathered pets to die, or to part with them prematurely. I feel like for my own sanity and sense of worth and future that I should go. However, it makes me sick every time I think of never seeing my animals again.

What do I tell myself to get over this and leave? I've tried "they're just birds", but it doesn't work. I nursed one back from basically near death, and she lived inside my house for over a month. She is the one I will have the hardest time parting with. I don't want her to be unwanted or potentially mistreated. I would feel guilty leaving.

Any advice?

 

[BigECarter]

I say buy/make a chicken tractor and take the ones you can.

 

[bucky52]

to some they are only chickens.i hear it all the time.but to me they are my pets and they bring me great joy.i rehomed three roosters on monday.one was my favorite,i miss him so much.i had planned on keeping him.but dh felt that he would be to large for my small hens.

 

[n8ivetxn]

If it's all or nothing, I say let him have them. Don't humanize the animals, take care of yourself first or you won't be able to care for anyone or anything else....

I'm sorry about your situation...

 

[dreamcatcherarabians]

Take the ones you can. Put an ad on craigslist for the others, give them to good homes and see if you can have some limited visitation if you think that would help. I find that it's harder for me if I don't cut all ties permanently once I know I've sent an animal to a good home.

I'd take 1 or 2, put them in a couple birdcages in the house and just keep them as Bird pets, not as chicken livestock, unless your HOA has specific rules against chickens. And then run like a scalded cat from Mr. Verbally Abusive and start referring to him as your "ex-A-hole".

 

[Fred's Hens]

If it's all or nothing, I say let him have them. Don't humanize the animals, take care of yourself first or you won't be able to care for anyone or anything else....

I'm sorry about your situation...

In over 50 years, I wouldn't hazard a guess about how many chickens have come and gone. You come to appreciate every new batch of chicks. There'll be another day, a new day soon. Move forward. Don't look back.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

In over 50 years, I wouldn't hazard a guess about how many chickens have come and gone. You come to appreciate every new batch of chicks. There'll be another day, a new day soon. Move forward. Don't look back.

Great advice.

I would simply add: Don't shack up and play house.

 

[flewdacoop]

yup take care of them babies