I haven't written in a very long time, I'm sorry. But what can I say? It has been a very traumatic few months, as my characterful, cheeky, lovely Bonnie died. But that's not it. My beautiful Birdie got a throat tumour and had to be put down by the vet because food was unable to pass through. It takes a while before I find I can write about these things because I'm very close to all my chickens... Oh dear I'm crying again! I wish I could write a post about how to deal with a chicken's death, but I can't because I don't know how! I think you just have to remember what an amazing life they had with you. That you did everything you could for them. That you loved them, that they were able to be chickens and that their life was wonderful.
I feel so honoured to have been a part of their lives, and I will never forget them as long as I live.
Don't ever make the mistake of detaching yourself from your hens, even if they are egg-layers or for meat: you will regret it. You'll wish you'd known more about them; really discovered who they were. Just accept that when they do pass away you will be sad, and remember you will get through it, like I've done. Don't be ashamed to cry over a chicken: they are one of the most amazing, funny, quirky, beautiful animals on Earth. Love them while they're here... even if you eat them in the end!
Here are some photos of them to remember them by, but sadly these two hens are the two I don't have so many pictures of. See this post to see a film of them all too.
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| Bonnie was very patient when it came to bath-time! Credit: birdbrain99 (Author) |
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| Fast asleep! Credit: birdbrain99 (Author) |
That's a beautiful and honest tribute to your hens and a moving and powerful insight into your relationship with them.
ReplyDeleteNot only that, it is a salutary lesson to me. I think it is sometimes all too easy to take the living beings we share our lives with - both non-human and human - too much for granted. How important it is to remember that each moment is new and precious and unique and to ensure that we do our best to be fully present in that moment, in that relationship; and to value and honour it.
My heart goes out to you. During the course of my life I have become familiar with death - family, friends and pets. I accept it and acknowledge its necessity. But that doesn't mean it is ever easy.
Thank you for sharing this post. I hope that it will be a real help to many, many others.
Thank you and I hope it is helpful
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