Seattle representing—I may not last long here

[tomcam]

Just warning you, mine is probably the worst introduction you will read on this fine message board.

Purchased 10 acres in Microsoft country, just outside of Seattle, this year. It was a 50 year dream. Bought six Easter Egger day-old chicks as soon as I moved in, and fell so hard for them that I don’t know if it will be practical for me to continue once these chickens have passed on. One of them died of a staph infection a few weeks after I bought her, and I couldn’t function very well for months afterwards. This is bad because I run two businesses and have severely handicapped children. I have five remaining hens and I am ferociously devoted to them. My favorite is the weakest. She appears to be medically fragile and my heart is already breaking. I am a very practical person but somehow the chickens just got to me. I think I am too weak to deal with the potential tragedies. Sure not proud of this admission.

I have already received some relevant and compassionate help from people on this board. I am very grateful for this community, so thank you all.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. This link may help you navigate the site - “How to...” guides

Chat with other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).Make yourself at home and enjoy the forums.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Just warning you, mine is probably the worst introduction you will read on this fine message board.

Purchased 10 acres in Microsoft country, just outside of Seattle, this year. It was a 50 year dream. Bought six Easter Egger day-old chicks as soon as I moved in, and fell so hard for them that I don’t know if it will be practical for me to continue once these chickens have passed on. One of them died of a staph infection a few weeks after I bought her, and I couldn’t function very well for months afterwards. This is bad because I run two businesses and have severely handicapped children. I have five remaining hens and I am ferociously devoted to them. My favorite is the weakest. She appears to be medically fragile and my heart is already breaking. I am a very practical person but somehow the chickens just got to me. I think I am too weak to deal with the potential tragedies. Sure not proud of this admission.

I have already received some relevant and compassionate help from people on this board. I am very grateful for this community, so thank you all.

Welcome to BYC!
I think we all have felt the way that you do about our birds. Amazing how emotionally attached we become to these funny creatures.
Losses can be heartbreaking and devastating. But the positive aspects of keeping chickens outweigh the occasional heartbreaks.
Hang in there, learn as much as you can. You have come to a warm and welcoming place for your new hobby. Remember we can’t control everything and all we can do is the best we are able.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I'm sorry for your loss, and that you are dealing with a weak hen. I hope things will improve, and that your chicken keeping, will be less stressful. Best of luck!

 

[RoyalChick]

Welcome to BYC.
I am so sorry for your loss. I think many of us have bern exactly where you are. I feel I am a strong and capable person but at times I am not sure I am psychologically strong enough for all the worries I have about my Princesses.
I think you will find lots of people here who will understand and help support you.
I joined BYC originally because it was only here that I found people who understood why I couldn’t stop crying after a fox took one of my flock.
So I hope you stick with your ladies and to keep you going here are some hugs.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Losing them is emotionally tough when you've become attached. I'm sorry for your loss and wish the best for your favorite girl.

 

[N F C]

Hello, sorry for the loss you've had, wishing you all the best with your fragile girl.

 

[Callender Girl]

Many of us feel deeply about our chickens. When three of my original four were killed by a predator because I forgot to lock a coop door, I was ready to call it quits and rehome the survivor. But I didn't, and today I have coops of chickens, ducks and a couple of geese.

I have a history of being the "hospice" home for a breed rescue; chronically and/or terminally ill dogs came to live with me. It ripped out a piece of my heart each time I had to say goodbye to one of my charges. I took them in, knowing there would be no happy ending.

Living with those dogs reinforced the fact that life is fragile, and the only way not to get hurt is not to open up and love anyone or anything. That's tragic. I try to give all my pets all the care and love they need for as long as we are part of each other's lives. Think about what you bring to your chickens -- the best life possible for as long as possible.

Take care, and love your babies for as long as you can.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck in resolving all issues with your flock.

 

[TwoShepherds]

Hello and welcome!