Got Chicken?

Poor Chickadee. 

She isn't doing so hot these days.  I am afraid we may need to take some drastic measures around here. 

A few weeks ago I went out in the morning to let the chickens out, when I noticed Chickadee was limping.  It seemed her toe may have been broken, from who knows what. So that night I had Dave hold her while I did my best impersonation of a chicken vet and wrapped her foot up in a splint. 

The next morning, I let them out and here comes Chickadee, still limping, minus the splint. 

So, I asked around and came to the conclusion that we would take the wait and see approach, hoping it would heal on it's on. 

Over the next couple weeks, she did seem to perk up and move around better and better each day.  However, these last couple days I have noticed that she is spending a good amount of her time laying down.  And when I filled their food bowl tonight, she didn't get up.
Not a good sign. 

After closing them up for the night, I sat and thought, what should I do?

I could let it go, for now, and see if she improves.  However, I can't know if she is in pain and what if we are letting her succumb to a slow, agonizing death. 

Or, I could take her to the vet.  Which is slightly ridiculous since we could buy at least 6 good size birds at the grocery store for what it would cost me.  And....it's a chicken.  (this was totally Dave's idea which shocked me!)

Or, we help the process along and rejoice that she lived a life of love.  Much better than she would had she been a battery bird. 

My main concern is that she isn't getting any enjoyment.  While the others are roaming the yard finding bugs in the freshly cut grass, she is in the coop.  Laying down. 
And another worry is the kids.  How will they react? 

I am thinking, for now, that we will wait and see a bit longer.  Maybe tomorrow will be the day she takes a turn for the better. 

I can't believe I am worrying this much over a CHICKEN!

Comments

[Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings]

I'd worry about her too. I can't say I know what I'd do. It's a hard decision, but I guess I'd take her to the vet and see what happens. I'd hate to spend that much too on a chicken . . . she might taste better friend.

(Ugh! I can't believe I said that either!)

[STACIESMADNESS]

that would be why I can not have pets (that I like or actually WANT)

[karen]

When my son was 10 or so he had a hamster that I thought was going crazy. He just walked around in his cage in circles, stumbling. I figured he wasn't long for this world and called the vet to find out how to humanely "dispose" of the animal. The vet wanted me to bring the hamster in....which I resisted until my son looked at me with his liquid eyes and said, "But Mom, he's my PET!" It cost me $8 for the visit and some antibiotics to cure the hamsters ear infection and restore him to health.