Until owning chickens, I never imagined I'd someday be put in the position of "playing god" - deciding who gets to live and who dies.
It's awful, I hate it and yet it's part of being a good flock mommy... I just wish it wasn't so heartbreaking.
I love each and every one of them so much, and so fast.
From the minute they are born, from the minute they arrive here from other places: they are all unique, beautiful, endearing creatures that I hope, I wish, I pray will live forever...
...until they get sick and I have to be cruel to be kind.
Born with an incurable deformity that would not allow them to live a pain-free life. Accidental injuries that lead to paralysis. Incurable diseases or sickness that meds won't cure. Cancer. Failing organs. Predators that maim fatally but don't finish the job.
If you're considering getting chickens I advise you to think really hard about this dark side.
Would you be willing and capable of taking a life out of love and kindness, to ease suffering? If not, do you know someone who can help you with the deed (like my husband Vegas, thank goodness for him because culling breaks me into inconsolable pieces)?
Because this is real life, and this is real death.
And you will be faced with it.
How will you handle it?
3 comments:
I always feel so sad when you have to put one of your loved ones down.
I am sure that I couldn't do it. I can't even go to the vet when we had to put pets down. I thank God for my husband who has been there for me during those times.
I don't know how I would handle that. I have had to let dogs and horses go due to age or injury, but the vet takes care of them. One of my hens? I don't know how I would do it. I would probably have to call my BFF because she's a tougher farm girl than I am. And I don't think my hubby could do it either.
:(
I'd have to get a vet to do it.
Post a Comment