Sad :( She's gone.

[gritsar]

I'm losing one of the meaties. I didn't post this thread in the emergencies section because I know there's really nothing that can be done for her. She has fresh food and water, fresh air and sunshine. It's just her time.
I am puzzled by the fact that she's not one of the large meaties. She's the size of my 4 week old EEs. I don't know the meaties exact age, but think they are around the same age as my layer chicks.
She's had 13 days of life that she wouldn't have had otherwise. Wish it could be more.

 

[redhen]

Darn!

Sorry...

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Why?

 

[AHappychick]

I always loose one or sometimes more when I raise meaties, I don't think it is always the size but the heart and genetic make up. so sorry but if you only loose one before processing that is pretty good. Its hard loosing any of them even the meaties though and I have tried to fix birds destined for the plate many many times sometimes with success although that usually grants them a reprieve from freezer camp.

 

[TipsyDog]

Sorry Grit. But you did the right thing - took them in to give them some nice days on God's green earth. Mother nature is sometimes cruel but in the end, rest assured, she knows best.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Why what Buff? Do you mean why do I think I am losing her? She's just laying down with her eyes closed. She'll open them if I pick her up, but goes right back to sleep in my arms. I was encouraged by the fact that she did eat a little when I sat her down in front of the feeder, but then she fell asleep again. Her crop is about half full.


AHappychick, these meaties aren't being raised for processing. They were left on my doorstep. They are going to have normal lives for however long Mother Nature gives them. The four really big ones, about the size of 6 - 8 week old chicks and all roosters, are the ones I worry most about. So far however those four seem to be doing great. They hated it at first when I would push them out the door to free range, but now they like it and are running around catching bugs like the rest of the chicks. I keep telling them to use their legs for something other than sitting on while they eat.

 

[gritsar]

She has passed away. DH said that in his opinion it wasn't a heart attack. Her posture wasn't right for a heart issue. I guess I'll never know. Maybe the others will stick around awhile. They seem real playful right now.
One I'm going to post a pic of soon is now named Phoenix. Her feathers are coming in, all sticking straight out at odd angles from her body. DH said it comes from rough handling at the hatchery or in the commercial house.

 

[annie3001]

sorry for your loss.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Oh I'm sorry Grits. Well, I'm hoping she was just tired and worn out from being her breed. Better luck with your other rescues. You're a wonderful person for giving them a good life.

 

[easttxchick]

I'm really sorry, Kat.