A Chicken Keeper’s Grief & Loss: 5

This is the sixth post in a series about the impacts of losing a member of our flock. Unfortunately there is no shortage of sad endings, some expected and others sudden and inexplicable, that touch us deeply.

Not everyone can relate to the grief that some feel over the death of a chicken – even other chicken keepers who see their birds as livestock, meaning an animal that has a purpose in serving their owner and it would be a bit unseemly to shed tears over something you could replace for just a few dollars. Clearly, they are not my people, though I respect that not everyone bonds to their birds as they might the family dog or cat.

Those stories have resonated with my readers and I’m committed to continuing to hold space for them. Grief is something we all must bear as individuals, but that load is lightened when shared with others who understand and empathize with our loss.

Today we buried our rooster. Yesterday I noticed he was lethargic, just laying around and didn’t have strength to get up on his own. His comb was purple. It was so sudden. I am really sad and hoping that we did all we could to make him comfortable before he passed away. – Yadira Perez

Rest easy, sweet Barred Rock. Thank you for your seven years of love, eggs and support. This seven year old OG flock has gotten me through some really dark days and have brought me so much joy. As they age we’ve lost more and more. Each loss hurts just a little bit more than the last. They certainly steal your heart. – Jennifer Valliere

I lost my sweet first hen last night to water belly. She was only three years old and my girl.

I am devastated. She passed away in my arms. I love you my Posey girl. Run free in heaven sweetheart – Anonymous

Our 15 year old girl passed away in her sleep last night. What a cool chook she was. – Indigo Carey

We lost our first baby, Pumpkin, today to a hawk. No more free ranging for us. She was our sweetest girl. My poor daughter watched it all and ran out to spray the hawk with a hose but unfortunately it was too late when she got out there. I told her how brave and smart it was for her to do that but she is devastated. – Andre Bueno

And so she sleeps

Dear sweet Nicola finally let go and drifted into sleep, surrounded by her sisters

I think she enjoyed just being amongst friends who loved her and have taken it in turns snoozing beside her over the last couple of weeks

Nicola’s journey here wasn’t smooth but it was filled with people who cared.

Nest in peace sweet grump, you are so going to be missed – Haidy Mansfield

My heart is heavy. My coop feels empty. My kids have questions which I love to hear, but hate to answer. Rest easy Jane, you fought hard with your water belly and were so loving through it all. This is always the hardest part, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My chickens bring my family so much joy and reward, thank you, Jane. – Lisa Jordan

Just a month and a half short of her 10th hatch day, Stripey Pants crossed over that Rainbow Bridge. I will miss the withdrawn eggs because of her arthritis medications. I will miss the stern lectures if her trough was less than full and I will miss gathering her to start the day each morning. I will miss the high kicks that almost got her a paying gig as a feathered Rockette.

The Bantam Menace was her rooster. They spent most days together, her high kicks and his hop hops and he was at her side in the end.

She was an amazing chicken and I’m so glad to have been her person. Rest pain free and high kick, Stripey Pants.

Image description: judgement via face of a Barred Rock chicken. She has crooked toes and a DGAF smirk on her face. She is plump and lovely and knows it. – GreenHarbour76