The older I get, the more I love animals.

[Orpingtons Mom]

And some people...meh.

I was on my way to work today, at my part-time job. As I drove along I saw a small group of tents, with chickens in cages. Needless to say I stopped.

I politely asked if this was a private gathering, and I was advised that no it wasn’t. Thus I began to look at chicks that were for sale. I was greatly disturbed by someone that had 8 or 9–one of whom had pasty butt. I brought to his attention and he quckly checked the others. There was a second that I could kick myself for not purchasing, on the spot. And my conscience is bothering me. Badly.

The poor little thing was huddled over in a corner, standing on one leg, looking absolutely petrified, and was probably sick. How anyone could be so heartless to not care for these small kids. Why oh why didn’t I pick up the little boogie...

What an idiot I am; I am thoroughly ashamed. Sharing so I never let this happen again.

 

[N F C]

I think it was probably a good thing you didn't take that chick.

The one and only time I bought anything off CraigsList was my first attempt at putting together a flock. The place we went to was as filthy as I've ever seen in my life. Dead animals left where they dropped, open feed bags spilled on the ground, poop everywhere. I ended up buying 7 chicks from them just because I felt so sorry for the chicks. Within 2 weeks, all but 3 had died due to illness. That was absolutely heartbreaking.

As sorry as we feel for ill chicks, they can play havoc with a healthy flock and our hearts.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

Thank you N F C. Honestly, in retrospect, you are right...but my thinking was, I’ll isolate him/her, and keep it loved. Even if it died, it would have died loved, warm, and not hungry or thirsty.

I know, I’ve got SUCKER tattooed on my forehead. At 70 I’m unlikely to change...