My day started by burying my special hen, Tinkerbell. She was born here over six years ago and was the only black hen I had. Like several of my chickens, she was named after a Disney character by Alissa.
I noticed a couple of weeks ago that Tinkerbell wasn't roosting at night and chose to sleep on the barn floor. Some of the other hens do that from time to time, so I didn't think much of it at first. But then I noticed some other symptoms and brought her into the garage. She wouldn't eat or drink so I did a Google search and learned that it was probably bacterial in nature. I started administering antibiotics by a syringe orally but she continued to go downhill. I brought her into the bathroom Tuesday night since it was bitterly cold. She was warm and comfortable and lasted till about 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.
She was a friendly chicken
and always close by whenever I was working near the barn.
She got along with all the other chickens very well
I know she was "just" a chicken, but it's so sad to see a pet of any kind die. I prayed that she would go quickly but it was kind of long and drawn out. Because it's still dark when I get home from work, I couldn't bury her till this morning. I had already cried Wednesday so there were no tears this morning, although going through some pictures, it's hard not to cry looking at her.
RIP little black hen.
Sorry for your loss--I hate losing any of my critters, too. We'll keep you in our thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI follow another blog that has chickens too and it's been very emotional for her every time she loses one, especially to a fox.
ReplyDeleteYou did all you could, Phylliss. So sorry for your loss : (
No, Phyllis, she wasn't "just" a chicken. You have a kind heart and she was a smart little girl who fell in love with you too!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Diane
I agree, not just a chicken. She was everything she brought to you, love, joy, friendliness, happiness, and above all else, a living creature of God's love. She was so blessed to have you.
ReplyDeleteThere are some folks out there who would think she was just a chicken and that you shouldn't get emotional about the loss, but when you care for a living creature and then it dies, how can you not be affected? I rescued a chicken downstairs once -- took it to the shelter because kids were harming it and it was hopping around on one leg. I also had one coming around that I would put food out for. I worried about it because there's not a lot of respect for animals around here. And since I am vegetarian, I don't think of chickens as a food source. I think of them as pets. :) Sending hugs your way! Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteOh Phyllis, I am crying reading about your loss!!! I cry over a coon's death too!!! We LOVE the animals what more can I say!!! She was beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your visit!! I was 18 days without a computer from 24th Dec to Jan the 10th. I missed the blogs so much!!
Can I call you?? If you have a land-line or free time on a cell phone I'll call you and we can talk.
xx, Zoie & Fern
I am so sorry Phyllis. I too love my chickens and feel bad when they die. There's a lot of personality in that little feathered body.
ReplyDeleteRIP Tinkerbell