Yesterday morning I noticed one of the tan colored chickens, our first batch, was puny. She was mostly sitting and not running around with the other chickens. After about an hour I checked back on her and she was still just standing in the corner with her eyes closed so I cleaned out the chicken hospital, put some fresh shavings, water and food in there and isolated her from the others. Last night, she was no better and this morning she had passed away.
That’s our first chicken that has died. Everyone always tells us that you’re going to lose a few. We got 10 in MO and didn’t lose any of them so it was hard losing one. These chickens aren’t friendly and no matter how much I play with them, they just don’t want anything to do with me so it wasn’t as sad as it would have been had I lost one of my six red chickens in MO.
So, now we have 15 big chickens and 5 bantams and hopefully we won’t lose any more.
Sharon Spingler says
That’s what birds do. Stay to themselves before they die. And they almost always die at night so no one sees them. We have lost several of our birds that way. It’s always sad to see them go.
Becky in VA says
Condolences on the death of your puny chicken. May she rest in peace in chicken heaven.
Barbara says
Sorry about your chicky.
Doreen says
Sorry to hear of the feathered demise. I thought of you yesterday after lunch when I happened to glance out our back window to behold a very bold, casually sauntering coyote!!!! At first I thought it was a dog cuz it seemed to be more of the mind (“body” English) that “I belong here” and doing some scouting. He calmly walked through the yard then, casually, turned and started to walk along the perimeter of the property! I have retrieved a rifle for possible future visits (although I know they are super spooky). Reminded me of the last days of our chicken adventures years ago when the coyote population exploded around here. They’re back….and in very large numbers!!
Debbie R. says
Back when we had chickens the neighbors dog dug under our fence… I heard the commotion about 5 in the morning. Went running out chased the dog out of the yard… several chickens were on the ground and I thought they were dead…. went in the house to get dressed (was out in my nightie) and went I came back out to get a shovel to pick them up they were all running around .. guess they played possum so the dog would think they were dead!!!
Margie says
Have you ever read The Egg and I?
Helen Koenigl says
Judy – I was sorry to hear that one of the chickies died. Was this the one that had been acting kind of “funny” and you had separated out earlier? Or a different one?
Regardless, I know these are pets – and its always hard to lose a pet – even when you don’t know them that well at first. FWIW – I REALLY hate losing pets – whether chickens, geese or my little Huey, Duey, Louie baby quackers. Have been known to cry when a goat kid passed on.
Erin says
its hard to see an animal that you want to care for pass away..so sorry Judy..
jen says
Oh my…I’m sorry to hear about your chicky. I just read some old timers quip about farming, it went something like this: “wherever there is livestock there is dead stock too.” I’m trying really hard to internalize those realities BEFORE they happen on the farm. I’m such a softy and I know losing one of your chickens is hard.
Sandie says
Sorry you lost one of your flock… Even if they aren’t cuddly and affectionate, you still get attached and feel bad to lose one. Hopefully she will be the only one! Had a feeling so
Erring was wrong when you hadn’t posted until so late in the day.
Linda in NE says
So sorry you lost one of your chickens. It’s sad, but it is part of having animals. Sometimes there’s just nothing you can do. Growing up on the farm it was just understood that sooner or later the farm animals would meet their demise….be it on a dinner plate or loaded on a truck headed for the sale barn to be sold for whatever purpose. Even chickens, once they quit laying decently, ended up in soup or chicken ‘n dumplings either on the farm where they lived out their lives or after being sold for that purpose. The goal is to give them the best life you can until it’s time for them to fulfill their destiny of becoming food or fertilizer. The only actual pets were the dogs & cats and an occasional rabbit.
Pat says
Sorry about your little chicken.
Ardeth VA says
Just thought you might find it interesting that our DGS got six chicks from Tractor Supply for his birthday along with about $1200 of cage and fencing enclosure. When they opened the box from TS, there were seven chicks even though they had paid for six. The seventh one had a broken leg so they figured that one was just included for free. After a couple of days, soft-hearted DD and DGS took the chick to the vet, who suggested euthanizing the chick. The FREE chick turned into a $50 vet bill. Live and learn. Good luck with yours, Judy L.
barbara says
sorry about your loss. i know you feel bad.
make sure to bury her deep. you don’t want to attract any scavengers.
Christine says
so sorry that your chicky passed
always sad to lose one of the “family”
emily says
I know how you feel. i had my 17 day old chick die last night.