So Long Sweet Bird, Pretty Pearl
Our lovely Sex Link, Pearl, died today. I found her in a heap under the straw and dirt as though she died in mid-dust bath, the favorite and funny past-time of many chickens. I don't know why she died. I know she had some respiratory issues this winter and she had ruffled feathers (as you can see in this picture) for months, which is an indication of sickness in a bird. But she mostly seemed fine. A couple of days ago I noticed that her comb was flopping over, which, as you can see in this picture, is not normal. I asked her what was wrong and she clucked and cooed and demanded more swiss chard. Since I still don't speak chicken I couldn't make heads or tails of her answer.
Pearl was our sweetest bird. The easiest to hold and chat with. She was mellow and laid a shitload of eggs for us. (You probably want to know how many that is...I can tell you that it amounts to approximately 400 eggs total. About 200 a year.) Her work ethic was impeccable. She was curious, eager, and there's no denying her beauty.
When chickens die it doesn't feel quite the same as when cats or dogs die. I think part of it is because when you decide to keep chickens, you really need to come to terms with the fact that their expected lifespan isn't actually all that long. 6-8 years if you're lucky. A few chickens will live to crazy old ages like 12 years. Most of them die a lot younger. Pearl was middle aged at 3 years old.
Even though losing a hen isn't quite the same as losing a cat or a dog, we love all our birds. Losing them makes us sad.
So long sweet bird, pretty pretty Pearl!
Pearl was our sweetest bird. The easiest to hold and chat with. She was mellow and laid a shitload of eggs for us. (You probably want to know how many that is...I can tell you that it amounts to approximately 400 eggs total. About 200 a year.) Her work ethic was impeccable. She was curious, eager, and there's no denying her beauty.
When chickens die it doesn't feel quite the same as when cats or dogs die. I think part of it is because when you decide to keep chickens, you really need to come to terms with the fact that their expected lifespan isn't actually all that long. 6-8 years if you're lucky. A few chickens will live to crazy old ages like 12 years. Most of them die a lot younger. Pearl was middle aged at 3 years old.
Even though losing a hen isn't quite the same as losing a cat or a dog, we love all our birds. Losing them makes us sad.
So long sweet bird, pretty pretty Pearl!
Comments (12)
Oh, I'm so sorry Angelina! I lose it when a fish dies, so I understand. One of the hardest parts about having animals is knowing that when they're in pain, they really can't explain the problem to you. RIP, pretty birdy!
Posted by Aimee | June 13, 2009 9:17 AM
Posted on June 13, 2009 09:17
Good-bye, Pearl. I can relate to your loss, as we lost our rooster a couple weeks ago and we still miss him a lot. I can imagine that for a chicken, dyeing in mid dust bath is the way to go, though!
Posted by Berlinswhimsy | June 13, 2009 10:27 AM
Posted on June 13, 2009 10:27
Aw, poor chick.
Posted by magpie | June 13, 2009 11:31 AM
Posted on June 13, 2009 11:31
I'm sorry to hear about your sweet Pearl. We have a couple of girls that are more than 5 years old. One old girl, Flicka, even survived a cat attack last year. I feel for you.
Posted by Ann | June 13, 2009 11:53 AM
Posted on June 13, 2009 11:53
Oh Angelina,
I am so sorry! Pretty, prolific Pearl gone. I remember when you wrote about her being under the weather months ago and was glad she pulled through then. I suppose a dustbath is a pretty choice time to shuffle off this mortal (avian) coil for a chicken. It sucks though for us humans. You and Pearl are in my thoughts. Hugs, Tonia
Posted by Tonia | June 13, 2009 4:55 PM
Posted on June 13, 2009 16:55
Hi Angelina,
Very sorry to hear of your family's loss. I find my chickens have enough personality to well and truly take over a corner of my heart.
With all my pets I accept the fact that I will loose them far faster than I would ever want. That said I also give myself permission not to have to like it.
Kind Regards
Belinda
Posted by simply.belinda | June 14, 2009 1:31 AM
Posted on June 14, 2009 01:31
Thinking of you.
Posted by Mary D in Texas | June 14, 2009 7:08 AM
Posted on June 14, 2009 07:08
I'm sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing Pearl's story with us.
Any creature (or even any living thing) that you interact with on a daily basis is going to leave an empty spot in your heart when you depart. I don't think it matters if it's cats or dogs or chickens. You cared for Pearl and she responded to you. Now she's gone and you are at a loss.
Posted by mss @ Zanthan Gardens | June 14, 2009 8:10 AM
Posted on June 14, 2009 08:10
A---
This made my heart hurt. So sorry to hear about Pearl. You are a good mama.
Posted by Ashley | June 14, 2009 12:07 PM
Posted on June 14, 2009 12:07
Its so sad when creatures die like poor Pearl and you aren't sure why. May her last dust bath and chard have made for a nice end to a happy chicken life.
Posted by Sharon | June 14, 2009 1:45 PM
Posted on June 14, 2009 13:45
Sorry for your loss... Sounds like Pearl had a great life though.
Posted by bethany | June 14, 2009 7:09 PM
Posted on June 14, 2009 19:09
Hey, thank you for all of your kind thoughts everyone! It seems so sad to have only three hens, but hopefully Dot, Flower-bud, and Pinny will live a lot longer. I do feel calm about this being a part of life, I was raised with lots of pets including a large flock of hens and I have gone through it so many times. I am sad but philosophical as well.
You are all such sweet friends though for understanding and obviously being such animal lovers yourselves!
Posted by Angelina | June 14, 2009 11:58 PM
Posted on June 14, 2009 23:58