Our first taste of nature here on the farm. Our little 'runt' chick - a little guy half the size of his brood-mates passed away this morning. We had called this little one 'Pasty-Butt' or "PB" for short because upon arrival his (or her?) little butt was a little messy - a common ailment for stressed chicks. Being good little mother hens we wiped with warm water and warmed him back up as needed. We noticed early on that this little guy had a short flat tail end and a residual umblical (is it called a cord?) on his tummy. Over the couple of days after arrival we noticed that he ate and drank but less so than the other little chicks. We did our best to help with that by bringing the food closer to him and monitoring him to be sure nobody was stealing his supper.
It was my opinion that this little one had an umbilical hernia and so I made sure that the area was clean and dry and I hoped and I prayed.
This morning we noticed just how much little PB was sleeping - nothing was rousing this little one - even ducks stepping on him. I had an inkling that he was slipping. He died wrapped in a piece of pink fleece in my hands. Each of the girls took a turn holding him and saying their goodbyes.
Its funny how it became second nature to look for little PB every time we entered the brood room - pointing him out to one another whether he was sleeping in a chick pile or scratching the bedding with his mates. I am also a little surprised at the very different displays of grief from my three eldest ladybugs.
Nicole in a very first born-practical way reminded us that though she was sad "there wasn't much else we could have done for little PB and we still have 51 other little babes to love".
Erin was very sensitive in her goodbyes; sobbing and taking the passing very much to heart.
Sammy was hoping for a miracle. She even asked if she should sprinkle her tears onto little PB.
It was a difficult morning. The girls have decided to paint a rock in memory of PB and place it in our garden. :)
Everyone else in the brooder has soft yellow down covered tummies giving me confidence that our other little babes are doing just fine.
Jeanette
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