Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Sad Day at Verde

Ok farm friends, all you real farmers, please forgive my weak constitution with this post. As you know if you have been following our blog for a bit, we have many different animals here at Verde. We love them all and name them and know them by name. We have many chickens and over the last three years, the chicken population has grown more than we intended. Thus the reason for a sad day at Verde.


We bought two roosters as our very first animals, Mack and Bucky. We also bought three muscovies that day too. That was the beginning, five birds and we were tickled pink. We felt sorry for Mack and Bucky as they needed a girlfriend so it didn’t take long for us to buy a beautiful hen we named Pearl for her Pearl coloring. Life was good. We had roosters crowing in the mornings and loved to see them running around the farm.

Flash forward three years and a few more chicken purchases and multiple hatches we had around 70 chickens late last summer and fall. Winter cost us a few due to the extreme cold temperatures and we had lost a few to predators, as best we could tell. My dear farmer and I knew we had to reduce the flock size before spring.

We posted some ads on Facebook and of course we have this blog/website with chickens for sale. No interest until yesterday. I was thinking about Craig’s List for a while but had never tried it. I got on the site to look and under agriculture they had several farm animals listed in my area. I thought, why not? I put an add up for 25 chickens and within six hours I had eight e-mails.


Tonight, the lucky man that I called came to get his chickens. I didn’t expect it to be so traumatic but they knew something was wrong and fear was in the air. Farmer and I were sort of paralyzed as the man and his sons started gathering them up from the barn roosts. We kept all our original chickens and made sure none of them went into the cage. They were screaming and scared and all I could think of was “I want this over with.”


It took about an hour to gather up 25 and he paid me and off they went. I couldn’t help but cry and still have tears in my eyes as I type this. We raised those chickens and they had a certain way of life here and they liked it. Out of the blue, they are now piled in a cage and headed off to another place to live and I really don’t know what’s ahead for them. He said he was going to let them free range and he loved banty hens to hatch eggs and raise chicks. Well, based on our 70 chickens, you know they are very good at that.


We always planned on raising chickens and selling them but this was the first time it actually happened. I know this sounds crazy to some but we loved them and our hearts are gonna ache for a while, especially tomorrow morning when we wake up and the farm is much quieter.

101 comments:

Lynn said...

Crying here, this city girl doesn't know what to say:@(

Farm Girl said...

oh Amy I am so sorry, that is why I could never sell my chickens. They are more like family. I used to tell myself when I showed my steers and my horses and my sheep that just look at the check. Don't think about the other stuff. My Dad had 1000 Momma cows, when it came time to sell the calves, he cried like a baby. I am glad you love your animals so much. I was always so glad my Dad loved his cows so much.
Remember your goal, you want to be a self sustaining farm. You want to do this full time. Then don't name them. That is why I don't name my chickens, it hurts to much if they have a name. It might not be so hard next time. Don't let the stranger do it next time either.
They know you, you or your husband catch them.
I still have so sorry.

Artful Gathering said...

I know exactly how you are feeling. I feel that way every time we sell or butcher any of our animals. Chickens are the worst for me. Hang in there tomorrow will be better. Hugs, Dawn

Teresa said...

It is never easy. When I sell goats, I live in my own little state called Denial--they always go to good loving forever farms in my mind.

Michaele said...

Oh Amy, I know just how you feel. I think any animal lover would. I was sure you were going to say you had to butcher. But this sounds almost as traumatic for you. Sorry. It does sound like they will have a good home.

Tete said...

Well, girl, this is going to the be the hardest sale. The first is always the worse one.
My mom and dad were so good about raising farm animals and about raising pets. There is a difference. They would always say don't get atttached and we knew that meant that that animal wasn't meant to stay. It doens't mean you love them less or treat them any different- but you know your time is limited with that one.
It could be because you are raisng it to sell or the butcher.
What I do with the kittens isn't much different, because I am looking for forever homes for them. I know we can't keep them all, even though I would like to. But how I raise them makes a difference on whether they get adopted or spend their life in a cage.
They all belong to God- do your part and trust Him to send the next caretaker along.
Because there is always going to more that needs fed, loved and taken care of.
You have to thin out every now and then to keep the lines healthy and strong. If you don't, they will all be sick and die.
I have been blessed with so many different animals and they have all touched my heart. Enjoy who you have when you have them. Today is all we can do- hope that helps...
Big hugs- Tete

grandma peden's porch said...

only time can heal your lose. you just have to believe life is good for them and trust what he said.
marilyn
p.s. from one animal lover to another i was crying too!!!

Michelle said...

It is a hard thing when animals become business.

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Amy I don't know how you could do it, I know I couldn't.... so sad to see some of your babies go! We didn't get any roosters just for this reason.

Our neighbor is elderly but still raises a few cows. Every year there are 5 or 6 babies born and when he takes them to auction their mama's "cry" for days. I know I couldn't do that :(

Hopefully they'll have a great life in their new place!

~Chris

mountain mama said...

oh, so sorry. when we moved the first time we had to leave all of our chickens behind. luckily, it was with my in-laws. it is so hard when your attached to let them go.
i feel confident they went to a good home~ plenty of fresh air, sunshine and bugs in their future!!

Teri said...

Hi Amy,
I feel your pain ... And I know how hard it can be. I remember the first time I sold my lambs at market ... I couldn't even go in and get the money ... Hubby had to do it. Now, I sell them out right to others who keep them on their farms ... I see photos and get updates. It is better this way. I still have to sell to market once in a great while ... And I still hate it.
If you think of them in a great place it helps a little.
Sorry sweetie, part of having a farm. Take care.
Teri♥♥♥

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

That had to be so hard to do. I always thought I would love to breed puppies but the truth is I wouldn't be able to let them go. Kittens, chickens, bunnies....I couldn't do it! I understand how you feel and I hope your days get easier.

Deb said...

I'm sorry it must have been hard...when we had to sell our goats it was so hard..just like giving up family....hope it gets better for you soon...

Trisha said...

Don't be sad. Think about the new adventures your chickens will have and the new friends they will make.
Several years ago, my brother bought a couple of chickens from an older couple, who retained visiting rights. Every so often the older couple stopped by to see them. My brother loved the chickens and didn't mind the former owners stopping by, whenever they wanted to. Blessings.

kimberly wheat said...

Oh Sweet Pea, I'm so sorry! I'm terribly sad here and haven't even met your chickens...I can only imagine. Give all the other guys an extra hug tomorrow!

Into Vintage said...

I was a little nervous about reading this post when I saw the title. I'm a city girl who thinks of all animals as pets so I completely understand your feelings. If I had any chickens, I bet I would love them too. Hang in there - I bet they're all free-ranging and having a great time. :-)

The Whistle Stop said...

I would be the same way! Just try and think positive... as most animals adjust quite well. It's us humans that have a rough time with change.
Take care,
Laurie

Anonymous said...

I sooooo understand how you feel!

Maureen said...

Oh I so feel for you. I could never be any type of farmer. Just the other day I went to the pond with the pug and one of the swans was missing and I am still upset about it.

Coon Hollow Farm said...

Amy, I know how you feel. The first time I sold my lambs it broke my heart...no one can take care of them like I do...keep in touch with him and follow up on how they are doing and it will make you feel better...;)

Tiggeriffic said...

When I was a young girl and we had chickens, it was my job to feed them and clean out the chicken house and gather the eggs. I got to know these girls and one boy really well. I had them all named and they were my pets. I used to hate it when it was time to thin out the chickens to make room for new ones.. So I don't blame you it's a sad day~!~! and I would cry too if I was you...
Have a tiggeriffic day~! ta ta for now...from Iowa

Flat Creek Farm said...

Amy, I have tears for you too :-( Probably best thing to do under the circumstances, however I know how hard it must have been. I adore my chickens, as well as our other critters of course. They are definitely part of the family. Sending hugs! -Tammy

Unknown said...

Oh Amy, it must have been so heart breaking for you. A loss is just that, and you can never fully prepare yourself for it. Hang in there. Sending big hugs to you.

~Andrea~

Buttons Thoughts said...

I understand this. It is the part of farming that I never liked and I think secretly even the toughest farmers don't.
I would say it gets easier but I think you just bury the feelings deeper. I am sorry for you. My condolences. Take care B

Sharon said...

Don't be sad, Amy. You're the best chicken mom in the world, just ask Charlotte! Email me with your address, I have a surprise to mail to you.

Hugs!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I have tears in my eyes. How can you not be sad? You took care of them, they were part of your family and they are living, breathing, beings. I'm sure their new home will be a good one.

Sharon said...

So sorry, but if you sign up for the game, you gotta play - or lose.

{{{HUGS}}}

luckybunny said...

Not so crazy at all, I've been there too as I suspect many of us have, it's one thing to think and another thing to do, and we also bond to all our animals. I hope they have a good life ahead of them.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I don't know what to say other than I am so sorry that you are sad.

((((((hugs))))))

Mary Ann said...

Once we put an ad up at the feed store so we could cut down on roosters. Some men came to get them (free).... they were going to tie their legs and throw them in the back of their van. I couldn't bear it... it was bad enough giving them up, and we ended up giving them a huge cage (that we needed, of course) so that the poor roosters could at least ride away without being hurt. We have only given up birds twice since, both to friends. Even now we have too many roosters, but I can't go through that again, so Amy I UNDERSTAND!

Terra said...

You are so kind hearted, and it sounds like the chickens have found a new good home, so don't cry. Also, the last photo shows an incredibly gorgeous rooster, so multi-colored.

Tonya said...

So sorry. It is hard the first time, but, quite honestly, I don't know that it EVER gets easy. That's why we farm, isn't it? Because we just love animals too much not to have them a part of our everyday life? Hope you hear lots of spring birds singing in the morning to help your morning be bright.

The Barn Door said...

I know exactly how you feel! So sorry!!
karen

Boho Farm and Home said...

I am so sorry! I know how you feel...they're your girls...and now your nest is empty. I would be crying too. Big hug to you! This farming stuff is hard. xo Caroline

KathyB. said...

I hope your chickens are as happy in their new home as they were with you. You are right though, there is a limit to how many chickens you can keep around and your numbers were getting pretty high. Those bantams do love to hatch out and raise chicks~ On the bright side, life will be a bit more calm and the chickens easier to care for with the numbers down.( Gotta watch those banties though, they will hide their clutches to hatch out and raise)

TexWisGirl said...

True. I would be heartbroken too. I liked Sharon's comment however. Really put the reality into farming and raising stock of any type. I feel for you though...

Alica said...

I'm sorry! Saying goodbye to special animals is always hard! I hope your week is filled with good things, to help ease the transition!

Nancy Grossi ~ Churned In Cali ~ The Wife of a Dairyman said...

Oh, I'm so sorry:( It shows how much you love your animals and how can you not become attached to animails you see every day.

Not that this makes it any easier, but I'm sure once they got to where they were going, they settled in nicely to their new environment with each other and any new chickens they have met:)

Verde Farm said...

Thank you all for the amazing response to this post--I knew my blog buddies would make me feel better and put things into perspective. It is part of the game we signed up for. I so appreciate all of you--thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts with me.
Hugs to you all, Amy

Nancy K. said...

Been there.
I still cry when I sell ewe lambs. And I don't even want to think about selling adult ewes!

The chickens, I'm not so bad about. When they get up to over one-hundred and you've got 30 roosters ~ selling a few doesn't feel so bad. Of course, I won't part with my favorites!

;-)

I'd always rather that my animals go to a home like yours than to one where they are nothing more than "livestock"...

Sending hugs.

Pondside said...

It's so hard the first time, Amy. Big sympathy! We have sold some and had to kill some too. But we are respectful and it's because some are raised to eat. I know that there are readers who will be horrified by this, but that's a reality of farming.

Karen Thomason/Gordon Setter Crossing said...

It doesn't sound silly to me either Amy. It doesn't matter if it's chickens or puppies. If it's something you love, it hurts to let go. It's okay to empathize too. Makes you a good human being. (:

connie said...

I understand completely Amy..I have a tender heart too..

Karen said...

Glad the Craigslist ad worked out for you.
It's hard, I know. Perhaps prevention is the better course, although it's pretty hard sometimes with those banties, if they are able to hide their eggs and you can't stop them from going broody.
Like someone already mentioned, you or your husband should gather the chickens quietly, with the lights out in the coop, with the aid of a headlamp or flashlight. When I sold ours, I took out the ones I wanted to keep before the people arrived. Then I stood in the coop in the dark and picked them off the roosts by feel and handed them out of the door to be put in the cages. Just used the flashlight to check that I had got them all.
It went relatively calmly, although I don't like doing it either.

Rebecca said...

Oh my heart is sad too. When I first met my husband-he had a few cows-about nine-one was a bull. They were all different colors and he would go out and brush the bull down sometimes. I had previously dated a guy with over 300 angus cattle-you didn't get attached-there were so many and they all looked alike. Anyway-after getting attached to them and some complications-problems with birthing and such-my husband decided to get rid of them. It was much easier-I couldn't stand the thought of what would happen to them. I'm almost a vegetarian and that put a lasting thought in my mind. I still think about the trials we went thru with those few cows-we don't have lifestock anymore-just 3 cats and 3 dogs and they're all safe and protected-my heart goes out to you!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

First, your roosters are gorgeous!

That's a lot of chickens! Such is the way of the farm, though. I can definitely tell how much you loved those chickens, but I hope they'll enjoy their new home.

Bee Lady said...

Hi Amy,

You have a good heart. I would feel the same way. It's part of the reason we still have these ornery two dogs that get in trouble daily. Because we're afraid of what their life would be like if we gave them away. They'd get in so much trouble elsewhere...time heals...you'll be ok.

Cindy Bee

Unknown said...

I had quite a few chickens and a neighbor suggested a butcher that he uses for his chickens. So I sent one off and that nite I had the most horrid nightmare! And when my husband found out it was the large cochin hen, he said "not Mrs. Fluffy Foot?"
That was it! I lost it and when we got her back I buried her in the back in the "Pet Cemetary"
Couldn't eat her. And that was the last time I ever did that. I wanted to be a true farmer but I can't part with anything!

Ginny said...

Oh how sad! I would be heartbroken sending them away. But good thing is they are all together, so they are going as a flock. They had a good life thus far so they are still lucky birds.

I think this is why the farm by me has so many turkeys, they can't sell them, or are afraid to because they know they will end up plated somewhere. But really, how many turkeys can you keep?

I would have to be a vegetarian farmer, I can toss away a tomato, but an animal would be hard.

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

Sending you hugs ~ I know that feeling all too well. It is not easy.

Old Hen with a Pen said...

Amy, I'm so sorry you had to give up some of your babies. It's a sad day for all of us. We all know how much you have loved them and how well you cared for them. We can pray the man who bought them will love them just as much, and will in fact let them be free range, as they were intended. I'm really very deeply touched by your sadness. I hope the grief will be lessened for you soon. Big hugs,
Kim

Old Hen with a Pen said...

Oh Amy...how sad I am for you. We all know how much you loved them, and how much they loved you, and appreciated you for taking such good care of them. I hope your pain lessens soon. Till then, know that we're all with you in spirit, and sending big hugs your way.

Country Gal said...

I understand exactly were your comming from and how you feel, We on our farm all felt the same way with all our animals, they all had names and we raised them from babies, they become a part of you and part of the family, I had a banty hen named Charlete she was my best friend as a kid and my pony Clyde , when we had to sell the farm I cryed for weeks missing them, To this day not having a farm I still miss all the animals, It will get easier for you as the days go by, you still have all your other lovely friends to help and keep you company. Hubby and I are aiming to own our own hobby farm . Try to have a good day !

Phyllis said...

You know from having your own that chickens are sentinent creatures. They aren't stupid like they are made out to be and know what's going on.

I use a blue fishing net to catch my birds when I need to move them to a different pen and as soon as they see it, they all start screaming.

I hope they have a good home with "the man".

Ginny said...

All too often our farm animals, become family and then like family we need to let go. Thinking of you.

Rural Rambler said...

Awwww Amy I understand. I am pretty sure that that is why I can't bring myself to have another critter right now. I know it is ridiculous but I just can't do it. Thinking about you today.

Inger said...

I'm so sorry, Amy. I think you have to develop a thick skin to raise animals, but then I read about Farm Girl's dad and see that not all farmers have that either. I have tears in my eyes and I understand how you feel, I would feel the same way.
You got so many comments from your farmer friends, I'm sure some had good advice, but I think it will always be hard.
I'm sending lots of good thoughts and hugs your way.--Inger

V.L. Locey said...

Aw, sorry to hear it was so upsetting for you. I understand, some of our old chickens are like dear friends.

Larkrise garden girl said...

When I raised my chickens and we moved I had to find a new home for 10 chickens. I was lucky since they went to a two homes for their kids for pets. I had raised my chickens for eggs. Since mine were backyard chickens and only ten chickens I was able to find homes. Being a true farm it's a whole different story. I am so sorry .

Donna said...

Oh my goodness, I feel like I want to cry right along with you. So sorry.

Hugs,
Donna

Diane said...

Oh, I feel so sorry for you...I am such an animal lover myself and we have had our own drama here at times and its never easy, I know that......here's a big hug to you...and I am sure they are doing just fine!!

Leontien said...

Ohhh i'm so sorry to hear... don't really know what to say, just that i feel your loss...

On a different note, I did find your button and i know how to use it....

Leontien

Mimi Foxmorton said...

No, luv....not crazy at all.
Miss Darla went back to the barn this weekend and the trama that ensued (is still ensuing) has torn my heart to shreds. Today is Day #3 of an exhausting and very, very sad weekend. So I know what you mean when you say: "I just want this to be over." I guess I just didn't look enough ahead to what was 'going' to happen when she had to go back. I guess I never looked any farther than snuzzly jammies on the couch.

You are brave.
I'm can't write my story yet.

Much love and comfort to you.....
*All* our animals are family......

xo
~The Goat Borrower

Kymberly Foster Seabolt said...

Sweetie I am so sorry for you. You have my sympathies. Please know that it's part of the circle of farm life. You did the right thing.

You also affirmed why I am not cut out for it. I want to cry with you just reading it.

Really, you did good. Just keep that in mind. {Hugs}

Comeca Jones said...

So sorry. Its always sad when its time to let go.

Jen said...

Awww... I know how you feel! It makes me sad too every time I sell a chicken or chicks. They are like your kids are something and you want them to go to good homes. I almost cried my 1st time sellin any.

IsobelleGoLightly said...

My lady can understand your pain. She started out with six hens and somehow (?) now has 15 chickens with more coming this Spring. She loves them all. She's placed seven roosters and it pains her every time. Chickens are such lovely creatures (though they cannot be compared to magnificent goats like me) and she really gets attached to them. Why one person who eats about one egg a day needs fifteen chickens plus is beyond me, but she says it's not about the eggs it's more the joy of having the chickens around. I hope you feel better soon. xxxx oooo

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Oh Amy, I'm so sorry for all your farm troubles. I can tell by your wonderful posts how much all of your animals mean to you. They will be well taken care of I'm sure.

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Not crazy at all to anyone who loves animals (and critters). That is the reason I could not ever breed anything to sale. Nobody would buy from me when I finished interrogating them, and paid them periodic visits to make sure they were being treated right, etc. I totally understand. So sorry for your sadness.

Summer Gypsy said...

Amy,
I have tears in my eyes after reading your post. I don't have farm animals, but I love my fur babies so much, and I know that it would be the same for chickens, cows, goats, pigs, horses...It's probably for the best that I don't have a farm because it would be overpopulated for sure. I am so sorry that you miss the chickens so much. Saying a prayer for your babies to have a good life at their new place.
:(Marilyn

RobynLouise said...

Oh dear, thinning the flock is heartbreaking. I'm a night gatherer too so the birds aren't disturbed. Farm Girl's suggestion of not naming is good too though our calves that are going into the freezer have names like Freezermeat, Rumpsteak, Stuart (Stew it), etc as a reminder not to become too fond of them. Any eating fowls are group named 'Chicken Soup' or 'Duck Stew'. I have too many fowls 'on the pension' but I can't dispose of the original girls I bred after so many years of receiving eggs from them. My drake died at 12 years of age earlier this year.

Dreaming said...

Your post took me back in time to thinning my flock of three! I had to give up my Bantam roosters as we weren't allowed to have chickens and roosters are a dead give-away! It was hard to see them go off. I had hatched them out in an incubator. And we also had to chase frightened roosters around the yard. But, I know that the farmer who took them really loved them and I felt happiness in knowing they were going someplace where they would continue to be loved. I hope that knowing that the farmer paid for them and wants them will bring some comfort.
I picture you living in a shoe...with too many chickens and not knowing what to do! Oh, wait...that was children, not chickens!

Velva said...

I am sorry. I know it was hard.
Velva

Sarah Allen said...

So sad :( I haven't had experiences even remotely like this, but you are a beautiful writer and I can only imagine how hard it would be. Wishing the best for you.

Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)

Janice Grinyer said...

Oh Amy :( I know you already know what I mean in the following words, but its always a good reminder for all of us...

No matter how tough we think we can be, when the time comes it will always hurt - anytime we have seen the beauty of life, whether it be an animal, a forest, an artwork, a child, a relationship... the living breath of loved ones; it will always hurt to let go. All things pass, and it hurts.

and i hurt with you, friend :(

But count on this ~ life really is a circle; and once again we love what we see, learn, and know, and rejoice in the moment. And true loving and living come from being able to rejoice, even though knowing it will end.


that being said, now I will try in my best feral way to make you smile - You are an eggcellent chicken momma, and you prepared those girls by giving them a good upbringing for chicken college; they are going to have free range parties and be laying up a storm - EGGS i mean Laying EGGS! And they probably wont even write or call home at all ...and then they will fly the coop and move out to the big city and carry balenciaga bags and wear louboutins before they even pay their rent and bills on time...Anyhow, the reason why they were a little ruffled when the guys showed up? Well, I know when my honey says hey I just scored two dinner theatre tickets for your favorite musical but we have to leave in 10 minutes, I end up with issues.. Talk about ruffled feathers...! and no time to preen at all ! Such is the nature of us hens - so you could have given them days to prepare but no, they would still find reason to fuss ;)

Hugs to you !(((Amy)))

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

I feel exactly like you do...each animal, no matter how big or small, holds a special place in our hearts. And you know...in today's age. that's a wonderful thing. To find folks who are tender-hearted and do really care for their animals. You're one of those dear people.-Mary

thecrazysheeplady said...

{{{hug}}}

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Aww Amy I feel bad for you. I know how you feel but you can only have so many animals..even on a farm. The best way to collect your chickens for sale is to wait until dark and then pluck them off their roost and put them in cages or boxes for the morning. Weekends are best so the people can get there first thing or late after they've roosted. I'm sure by now you're feeling better but it's always hard to say good-bye to our family members. Spring is nearly here so maybe you'll have some new chicks to take your mind off the others. I hope you're enjoying a beautiful sunny morning my friend.
Maura :)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Awwwww sweetie, kinda like the 'Silence of the Chickens'. I'm sorry but also know as a farmer sometimes ya just gotta bite the bullet and do what ya have to do!

God bless and have a peaceful day sweetie!!! :o)

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Hugs and prayers for comfort sent your way Amy. I'm so sorry for your sadness. I share your emotions. As others have said, to me, it's all about the animal not being afraid. That bothers me the most. I always try to make them calm n happy in any transition - even, gasp, butchering. I'm not quite ready to become a vegetarian but I do insist my food be raised in a happy place and killed with compassion and appreciation. And I believe more people should provide a loving end instead of passing aged animals along to another home... Country folk and animal lovers need to be tough to face real life and death. I think some city folks are just hiding... Sorry. I'll get off my soap box. But the more folks face this the less breeding of un needed animals there will be. For any kind of pet you might want, there's one out there for free just needing a loving home. Til then, it warms my heart knowing how many "forever homes" are out there - even for chickens!
xo
Leslie

Mary said...

I'm sad for you Amy, I hope you are feeling better today!

Mary

matty said...

This is the one thing I hate about farming....

Country Whispers said...

Our pets are always considered as part of the family so I understand how hard it would be to get rid of a few.
A job that must be done at times but one that is far from easy to actually do.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. I give you credit because I couldn't have done it. In my mind no one can take care of my animals the way I can. It was hard enough to give away Mr. Clyde, but I do know the farmers who took him so it gave me some comfort. This is why I could never breed anything to sell and why we aren't allowing our girls to hatch eggs. It tore at my heart to read this.
Staci

Lori Lynn said...

Amazing how the little buggers 'worm' their way into our hearts!
BTW, love your 'springy' header!
♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Lori Lynn ♥

Laura S Reading said...

I do not know if my comment went through or not. Know my sympathies are with you.

Ohiofarmgirl said...

Last week we had to sell some of our ducks. I cried the whole way home. I'm feelin' ya, sister. Its hard to see them go.

Chicken Wrangler said...

I know how you feel - I've raised some to sell, and it pinches a bit at first. You'll get used to it, and the chicken care will get easier, so that will help. This year I'm looking to add a few new pullets. Hubbs doesn't think we need more, but I'm the one that takes care of them! Adding is much more fun than subtracting, for sure. Who would ever know a person can learn to really love a chicken?!?

Janet, said...

I am so sorry. We all get attached to animals, they are like family. Our neighbor raised black angus cows. What did he do when he wanted meat for his freezer, he bought from someone else, they couldn't butcher one of their own.

fromsophiesview said...

You are going through a very normal human reaction...don't be hard on yourself but do take time to grieve. It's a loss and you put a lot of yourselves into these fellers! take a deep breath and continue on!

Granny Sue said...

That's the hard part with chickens. They get old; they quit laying. Do you keep them and end up with an old age home for chickens? There's no good alternative for those who get attached, unfortunately. I am sure your birds have a good home and are enjoying the change of scenery. You know how curious chickens are!

Joani said...

Oh Amy...that has been one of the reasons I haven't ventured into owning another dog...etc...my heart would be broken again. I just feed the birds & they fly away. Even working in agriculture just doesn't prepare U for this. Enjoy the ones that R still there for U. I'm saying a prayer for U to feel better soon. Hugs.

Catherine said...

I would feel the same.I stopped having hens, because of foxes killing them during the day , even with electric fence. it's heart breaking!

Janet said...

So sorry! It's like parting with family!

Genny said...

Amy, I can see how much you love all the animals on your farm and really feel for you. I would have cried for hours. But it sounds like you chose a good home for them and they'll be happy there. Loads of (((hugs))) headed your way. You're a great caretaker, and I think it would somehow be a little wrong to nurture a life and not feel sad when we had to let go. I feel sad with you.

Patrice said...

Amy,
I'm, as you say, a real farmer. Still, I get sad, cry, or feel bad whenever we lose an animal or have one sick. Our animals are part of our living. Besides that, we see ourselves as stewards of the land and all that live on it. I have been an animal lover all my life. I have learned not too get to attached to certain animals here, but it is still hard. Other animals, you want to have live forever. I still feel like crying like a baby when I think of my horse, Dinah, who died a few years ago. There is still a chunk of my heart missing.

I often think of how much pain you can have when you allow yourself to love (people or animals), but I would never want to go without, just to keep from having pain. It's tough.

I came to your blog to tell you how happy I am that you commented and joined in on the weightloss hop, but I read this and felt for you. I'd bring you some of those Irises(which I love too) and some brochures of New Zealand if I was closer- that would cheer you up. I'm sure your feathered friends are in a good home.
Patrice

Judy said...

I'm so sorry and sending you BIG HUGS!!!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

That's why I don't raise animals, Amy...I get too attached. I'm sorry you're both sad and I know what you're going through...been there!...:( JP

Heritage Farm Village said...

Amy, we love our animals at Heritage and understand how devastated you feel. We have lost some precious favorites thru accidents and although you intended to sell, the loss is still a loss since they are no longer on Verde. Here's hoping their new home is an awesome one!

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

sigh...big sigh...this post has haunted me for the entire week. i pray the babies are doing well and i am sure you have called the new owners to check on them. looks like you received some excellent advice for the next sale. i so wish i could take some for you but your uncle is very 'bad' in not allowing me the joys of having chickens and ducks. hoorah, this should be your 100th comment! congrats on your readership percentage. excellent amy, simply excellent!

French Hen Farm said...

I know how you feel. I dont have nearly that many chickens , but when ever anything happens to one of my chickens I am upset for weeks. I am still upset over my first hen I lost. She used to run to greet me every day when I got home from work, she would jump into my arms.
my husband thinks i am crazy getting attached to those chickens!