Well, some of us here understand. I have a rescue and put implants in my hens to save them from reproductive disease (something you didn't have to worry about with a silkie - they are not high producers), more than 1/2 live in the house and the ones that are outside have heating and air conditioning. Like you, they are my family members and I love each one and would do just about anything for them. There is nothing anyone can say that will dull your pain and I understand this fact. I lost my Henrietta 3 1/2 weeks ago and I am still crying and still dysfunctional at work. A very dear friend of mine that also has a rescue that is 25-years old today said something to me that may help you. She said, "when you are crying, go get a chicken and hold her and close your eyes - Henrietta will come to you." Remember chickens don't count their years and get sad if they are going to pass - they only care if they were loved - A job well done by you. I am crying while I write this to you.
Sorry for your loss 2 and yeah nothing can replace them even 9+ yrs after there death I break down crying I've been rescuing chickens with mostly those have medical issues I haven't raised a baby chicken in 9 yrs. My 9yr old hen was born with parathyroid issues I saved her life along with her sister. I've been doing this for 14+ yrs I invested my entire high school to my chickens and doing research again I know more than the vet I go to for my birds. I've even thought him a few things. Said vet was raised on a chicken farm. But ffs I went for vet tech school to improve for them but dropped out when one of my hens had ovarian cancer. There were many times I spent my entire paychecks at the vet to get them better. I was in terrible living suitation with my brother who was psycho who would overdose them with human meds I took the abuse from her to protect them. They showed me love when I had no one I have a seeing strong bond with them I'm not ashamed about it either. They were the first in my life to show me unconditional love and they would intentionally distract me when I was depressed I remember once I passed out in the chicken coop family didn't even bother to look at me but I woke up surrounded by my hens looking at me in concern I vowed to give my all to them. Yes i lack some times but they only see me and love me over everyone else. They saved me more than I saved them. I miss my baby but it's not her fault she was at her age limit and she got sick. If I had her over again I wouldn't hesitate to spend the amount that I did on her like I did
