Monday, August 17, 2009

Karma is a bitch sometimes....

As some of you might already know B and I have tried unsuccessfully to rescue and rehabilitate two late hatching bantam chicks that got severely pecked by a hen that wouldn't take them into her brood. The first was so injured I'm actually surprised it didn't die right away.
The second appeared to be less injured and surprised us by living through the night.
We decided to name her Stevsie after that first night.
Love and Hope blossomed and twined around my heart as each day progressed. Four days and four nights are more than enough time it seems to become entwined in those two emotions. I began making plans for Stevsie's return with us to Asheville and thinking of how to keep her safe from cats and dogs until we could find her a good home amongst the growing community of urban chicken keepers there.
Really though, I could tell yesterday that she was getting weaker, not stronger.
As a matter of fact little Stevsie died this morning in my hands. The little chick just wouldn't wake up this morning and shuddered her last peep as my tears fell on her soft downy body.

I am still crying as I type.
On to the Karma bit.
The hen that pecked the three chicks and ultimately killed them was herself killed by a neighborhood dog last night. It was quick but there you have it.
The flip side is if we can catch them we will have the 4 bantam chicks from her brood-all healthy thank goodness-to take home.
Big Daddy D's gonna love it dontcha think?
I at least have the beginnings of a smile again.
How's that for Karma?

15 comments:

Nej said...

I had such a hard time when we bred Scottish Terriers. Inevitably, pups will die. It just happens. But, knowing that doesn't make it any easier.

Poor little chick.

Brook said...

Amy-I hate to feel that way-she acted on instinct and all that jazz but still...hopefully her brood will survive the day and we can catch them when they come in to roost. It's a free range flock and it is possible that some of the chicks could be taken in by another hen-and on that farm they do indeed need a mother hen to keep them safe. If not then we'll bring them home and get some expert help on either getting them set up in our back yard which would be cool if we could get it done or find a better home for them.

Nej-It's true, what the head knows and what the heart feels can be at opposite ends of the spectrum. It is hard but it doesn't stop me from trying. All the scars on my heart have names and I'm okay with that, you know?

Nej said...

I do know!!!!

Brook said...

Nej-I know you know... and I'm glad you do.

WanderingGirl said...

From 1 to 4 chicks... aye carumba! Poor little Stevsie. I'm glad she had you, though.

Brook said...

WG-We do indeed have the four. We'll have a better chance with these-they are a couple of weeks older and-most importantly-NOT PECKED!

Dark Cloud Nine said...

So you're saying Karma is a dog, right?

Brook said...

DCN-I have no idea what that darn dog's name is but wouldn't that be fuckin' hilarious?

Victoria said...

It's crazy how beautiful + cruel nature can be..

It's great that the other chicks are safe and sound with you guys. I've heards of rescue kittens but never "rescue baby chicks".

That's fantastic!

Brook said...

Victoria-I am perhaps just a crazy person disguised as an urban housewife, or a woman coated marshmallow-you decide :) Nature is a beautiful wild thing and I respect and love it, though I could never be a wildlife scientist-to sit back and watch is beyond my capabilities.

Nej said...

A woman coated marshmallow? (giggling)

I hate watching wildlife shows on Discovery some days. I find myself saying to the television..."can't the camera man go and help that poor ______ (insert animal's name here)??"

Amy said...

A woman coated marshmellow. Yep thats us Brook! Sorry you didnt get to C me. I cried myself to sleep last nite. boo-hooooo.
Kiddin ...I understand that you had a lot of little ones to haul north.

Brook said...

Nej-two words..."Meerkat Manor". B and I cried for days-and never really watched it again.

Amy-I felt like a loon with all our crap, the dog, four chickens and two kids in the car. If I'd stopped anywhere I'd still be there.

Amy said...

:) I always feel loony.

Victoria said...

Crazy..? No!

Woman coated marshmallow..? Priceless!

I'm glad you saved the baby chicks. It's the circle of life.