| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Annab |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 2:24:10 PM
Said goodby to a faithful chicken last night.
This hen was I think 6 or 7 years old.
"Scratchy" as we called her- was a buff orpington and was the friendliest chicken we ever had. She was always first for the handouts and would always come-a 'runnin' . Funny to see for a chicken that was as round as she was tall.
I think it was jut old age that finally got her, and I'm relieved to have found her before she would have passed away in the cold and dirt of the big coop outside . That might have done her in right there. Usually I'll find our downed chickens after the fact, but Scratchy was a fighter.
Was able to put her in the chick brooder under a light with some food and water and at least keep her warmer and more comfortable than she would have been in the big coop. She died fighting it, but expired after I patted her feathers and straightened her into a more comfortable position. Made me feel better anyway.
She was the best chicken I ever had.
Happy news is, we have 4 other orpingtons that are almost as friendly, so maybe one young lady will take her place. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Annab |
Posted - Feb 18 2012 : 09:58:24 AM
The only other chicken I have ever been this upset about was a big rehabbed white rooster who bounced off the chicken truck and was nursed back to health.
He was HUGE!!! And really opened my eyes to how bad the mainline poultry production process is- especially when they fall out of the trucks and land on the highway for crying out loud!!
So that rooster lived 9 months longer than what he was genetically programmed to. He was gentle to us and extremely gentle to his ladies. |
| Annab |
Posted - Feb 18 2012 : 09:52:44 AM
Thanks Ladies,
I'm glad too
Such a fine 'ole biddy. I couldn't bear the thought of her going out any other way.
All our other chickens are under 3. So there shouldn't be any more broken hearts like this for a while. The other 4 buffs are still so young they haven't even started laying yet. Can't wait to woo one or two of them
Yea for chickie love! |
| Sharon Denise |
Posted - Feb 17 2012 : 09:38:22 AM
I'm so sorry. :-( Animals are so precious, and I'm glad you were able to provide her with some comfort at the end.
Farmgirl Sister #3754
www.facebook.com/bellcountybelles
http://bellcountybelle.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/bluemonarch/
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour |
| Bayou Girl |
Posted - Feb 17 2012 : 06:42:47 AM
Anna,
I'm so sorry about Scratchy. It is always hard to lose one of our beloved animals. They become part of our family and definitely have a place in our hearts.
~Jennifer~
Farmgirl #3803
|
| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Feb 17 2012 : 05:56:08 AM
Michele,
I'm so sorry about Star. What a loss at such a young age. What a blessing of sorts, to be able to be there for them when their time comes.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 10:55:45 PM
oh sweet hen I am sorry but am also glad you had her for as long as you did...I lost Star yesterday, I brought her in Monday knowing she was going to go soon & there was nothing I could do but make sure she was warm, feed & comfortable.....She was less than a year old but oh what a sweet girl she was......I hate it when their time comes & no matter what I do it isn't enough to save them....but I so love my chickens that I have learned to deal with this part of it...thinking of you :)....Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622
http://theoldbatzfarm.blogger.com |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 9:23:49 PM
Anna, so sorry for your loss. Scratchy sounded like quite the hen. I'm sure you were of great comfort to her in her final hours.
Audrey
.jpg) Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
| sherrye |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 7:33:48 PM
it is so true whatever the life when its gone its very sad. it could be a snake or a lizard. i remember the farmgirls with those animals love their friends. i have favorite chicken it is a buff. she sees the red jeep and comes a running. food wagons here. so i send a hug to you and am so sorry for your loss anna. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
|
| MEWolf |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 6:55:21 PM
I am sorry for your loss Anna, she knew she was loved!
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 6:51:24 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry. I am so glad you were there with her for her last moments. I think that our girls all think of us as their mommas, and realize that we were that big HAND that came down from above when they were babies, and there really is a bonding that goes on there. I love my girls, and dread the day when their time comes. I just hope I can be there for them like you were for Scratchy.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 3:58:22 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. Scratchy had a good mom.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Lessie Louise |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 3:56:31 PM
Just lost a banty to a fox :{
....it's what's inside a women, when she's up against the land.
Farmgirl #680!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lessielouise22 |
| mudpony farmgirl |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 3:09:01 PM
Sorry to hear about Scratchy! At least you were able to make her comfortable, hope she went in peace. |
| GirlwithHook |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 3:04:26 PM
Awww...I'm so sorry to hear this!
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
| oldbittyhen |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 2:37:34 PM
it's sad to loose any animal, no matter what...my deepest heartfelt condolances to you and yours...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
