Making the Tough Calls - Difficult but Essential

An excellent sad but true article. At 67, we are still in good health (PTL) but the aches, pains and life take tolls. Like changing the frozen water to fresh at -17! I have been reading your articles and Thank you for sharing your knowledge and heart. A.M.D.G.

A very well written and honest article!

Thank you for sharing your story. Pets teach us so much - about themselves and about ourselves. You have had to make difficult decisions, and they were all made with love.

Great story and very directive

This is a heartwarming story, although a little sad at the end. I am at the beginning of my chicken journey, and I am learning the ropes through experience also. I don’t know how many years I will have, as I have come late to the table, but I am glad I have started.

Beautiful story...tugs at heart strings

The right choice is sometimes rough. You did well to care for them as long as you did, then you re-homed them. What a good chicken mamma.

You made the right decision. As this is my first season for chickens and ducks, I now understand how us "feathered flock" owners fall in love with our critters!
Your story brought me to tears but good ones because your story is so wonderful and loving. Sorry you have health issues but you know your chickens still have a good life and you can concentrate on taking care of yourself. Blessings!

Difficult decisions but definitely the right one. They do deserve the best and you have given that to them. Not an easy decision but one that shows your compassion for your little feathered friends.

you brought me to tears

we will all come to this point at sometime some of us sooner than others, but I do agree it's not a matter of not caring about your chickens you make that call when it's time, we invest time, effort and money into our babies and only want the best for them, but sometimes circumstances beyond our control dictate it's time for them to be moved on. When that time comes for me personally I can still be at least a good resource in teaching others about these amazing birds we've come to love and a new generation of keepers are born.

This is a beautiful and sad story.. There is a hen and 13 baby chicks in my yard and the neighbors. Never thought about chickens but I love these chickens.. they always make me smile.. hope you get more soon .. these

So touching and so brave of you to make decisions that were best for your chickens and not just what's best for you. I don't look forward to the day I can no longer have my chickens. I can't imagine it. However, they are a retirement activity for me, so it's just a matter of time. In the meantime, I will be out there every day talking to my girls and thanking them for every egg. They are such a joy.

We folks who are new at keeping chickens really appreciate others who pass on the3se extra bits of information.
Thank you.

This is the second time I've come across this article. I loved it just as much as the first. Heartbreak and inspiration on the same page, kudos to you for doing what you knew was right. I'll probably read it again next year.

It also made me think. I’ve not got my chickens yet, but reading your loving choice makes me ponder the years ahead. I’m healthy now but one day may not be and I want to know going into this that first and foremost I will make choices that are best for my chickens welfare. Thank you for a great article.

Oh Blooie
You are so full of courage! I know you'll miss them. I've enjoyed reading about and meeting you on your journey and I hope you'll still spend time with us here on BYC. Sending hugs!

I’m in tears...hits home. I never knew I could care about chickens ....much less, fall in love with them!! (‘Scuse me...I feel the need to go hug my 3 precious ones right now!!) Great Article!!!

As another reviewer stated, I also felt your emotion through your words. Great essay, and thank you for sharing the "real" with us.

Never gave it any thought but so true.....