Sdwd

[Serrin]

Aww crap Cyn.

That's a heart breaking situation no matter which way you go.

I wish you strength, wisdom and courage to do what your heart and experience tell you to do. You've been here so many times [too many times!] and I'm sorry to see you have to go through it again. Especially knowing that they can rally and have more quality time with us. I wish God had put a longer warranty period on our little feathered friends. They don't live nearly long enough! Hang in there lady. I'm praying for your little Reba.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Cyn, I am so sorry

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Quote:
I agree Amy!
I am glad that Dottie is doing well being back with the flock.
No more broodies in the winter??/ Let me know how well that works for you, ok?

I am missing my chickens. Tonight there is no one here to lock up the pop doors so I will have to hobble out and do it myself. Hmmmm.... I wonder if I can make it up the steps to take a peek at the gang??

 

[speckledhen]

If you look at these pics and these video clips, you'll see why I am having such hard time knowing it's Reba's time to go, even though I'm quite sure it's impossible for her to come back from this a second time-look at her bright eyes, her gorgeous feather quality, her face color:

http://s673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/Mtnviewpoultry/Video Clips/?action=view&current=DSCN4249.mp4
http://s673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/Mtnviewpoultry/Video Clips/?action=view&current=DSCN4251.mp4

 

[kathyinmo]

Cyn,
I am sorry about your Reba. Very sorry. Yes, she has bright eyes and beautiful feathers. However, my dear, I do think it looks like it is her time. The videos show that. I am so sorry.

 

[Inkheart]

I am really sorry as well Cyn - such a tough choice - but your gut feelings - are always the right ones in my opinion

 

[speckledhen]

She was exactly like this the first time. We did massive penicillin doses and over time, she got better and better, then expelled some weird alien-looking masses, laid one actual egg then stopped and the cycle began again. The reason she can't walk well is whatever is pressing on nerves; I'm sure of that. I can't swing an axe right now if I wanted to-my shoulder is really bad and I don't trust myself not to botch it. Tom won't do it-this is his girl. He'd rather let nature take its course since she is so alert and can still get around, quite fast when she is motivated. If she hasn't pooped this morning, that will kill her quickly, all that waste backing up in there.

 

[Serrin]

Oh for a tiny chicken sized speculum.

She's so pretty Cyn. I too would have a very hard time in doing what should maybe be done. I wish I could stick Denny in a priority box and send him down to you right now. He has always been capable of euthanasia in a kind and compassionate way.

 

[rancher hicks]

Cyn , I am sorry about Reba. I thought I could avoid this attachment thing with chickens but apparently not. I guess it's just what we're made of.

Rancher

 

[speckledhen]

Amy, I'd love to borrow Denny if he was closer. When we thought Meg was very ill and Reba was starting to decline, Tom commented that if he was a real farmer, he euthanize them both right then and there. Well, Meg is 100% better, laying eggs almost every day, even at almost 5 years old, perky as all get-out, and we were way off-base about her. Reba is one of the originals, the really special group that made us love chickens in the first place, so that makes it much worse, this culling thing. She is a wonderful hen, full of personality, just an awesome, awesome bird. But, no poop this morning. She cannot go more than a couple of days like that, I'm sure. It was the same last time, though, and suddenly, she was on the upswing. You just can never be sure.