What a day. I was filling in the goat barn with dirt this afternoon and happily minding my own business when Bernie headed to his barn to get more lumber. I heard him say “Miss Penny? You better come over here and look at your rooster.” I knew by the tone of his voice that this would not be good. I walked over to see Bobby Lee – bloody and standing very still. Well, that’s not good.
I went into the house and got my emergency tote bucket. If you have chickens or livestock, I highly recommend getting emergency care supplies and putting them in some sort of container. Trust me when I tell you, you will one day need it.
I filled the tub with warm water and laid out towels, wash clothes, antibiotic cream, Iodine solution, and baby shampoo. Then I went outside to catch Bobby Lee. And when I got outside I noticed Pico – he was covered in blood as well – and it was obviously not HIS blood. It was then that I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Bobby Lee was no longer in charge of this flock. Pico had taken control of the reins.
I bathed Bobby Lee and looked him over really well. He was missing a lot of feathers around his face, eyes, and neck. The only area bleeding was his comb. It looked like hamburger. His eyes were swollen, and there were scratches around them, but they were in pretty good shape. I put eye cream in his eyes, cleaned his comb and wattles and slathered everything except his eyes in antibiotic cream. I’ll keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t get an infection.
I love my roosters. L. O. V. E. my roosters. For the number of hens I have, three roosters is a little on the low side, but I’m pleased with the care they take of the hens. Spring is springing – and with it comes a surge of testosterone in the roosters. A few weeks ago Bernie and I were watching these roosters and discussing that Pico was making some moves to become Alpha Roo. We knew it would happen. I’m just sad that Bobby Lee fought so hard that he ended up getting so hurt in the process. Pico is fine. He has blood all over his chest and legs – but it’s not his blood.
I had no sooner finished caring for Bobby Lee than the phone rang. Our neighbors down the road asked if I would come look at their turkey. She had been attacked by three dogs. My heart sank. I headed down there to see what we were dealing with. The turkey hen had many puncture wounds on her rear area. Those we could have dealt with. She had a tear on her thigh that I am certain we could have cleaned and sewn up. But my heart sank when I saw that her vent was ripped wide open – and her insides were hanging out.
I described my thoughts and what I felt we could deal with. And then I told them that the ripped vent was more than I knew how to handle. I recommended that she be culled. My heart went out to young lady that recently moved here, excited about dreams of country life. She was crying beyond consolation. I could not help but remember that, not so very long ago, I had faced a similar decision. I distinctly remember how difficult it was for me, and my eyes filled with tears at the pain she was feeling. I put my arm around her as a friend put the turkey out of it’s misery.
Nature can be beautiful. And it can be cruel. Roosters do what roosters do. I hate it, but that’s the way it is within the flock of chickens. Dogs do what dogs do. It doesn’t make it right. It doesn’t make it easier. But it does mean that if we bring chickens and livestock into our lives, we must understand that there is a chance we will experience injuries and/or death of these creatures. The best we can do is be prepared to handle it. Both by preparing to care for them, and by preparing for their death.
That’s just the nature of nature.
Tags: alpha rooster, turkeys
Well stated, my friend. And it reminds me that we as humans are part of nature as well. We experience the triumph of Pico’s, the disappointments of Bobby Lee, and tragedies of your friend’s turkey.
Mother Nature may not always be nice, but she certainly doesn’t discriminate.
What a timely post, Penny. Danni and I had a long phone conversation yesterday about farm life, including the good and the bad of having roosters. She reminded me that things will happen that are out of our control and that we shouldn’t beat ourselves up about them. Your name came up a few times in our conversation, with both of us commenting on how we admire you. I am sorry about Bobby Lee. Does this mean someone will be culled or will you chose to just separate them?
Sniff
sniff – tears……. reminds me of what Janet went through which almost killed her……. gonna blob about that in a few weeks…….
x
Oh Penny, the same thing happened to me last year. ( read: A coupe in the coop under the chickens catagory on my blog)
I just read your post about the hen (cried like a baby), I admire you for attempting to ‘do the deed’, but like you, I’m ever so grateful for my husband who will take care of that aspect when needed. Some hearts (like ours) just can’t handle it.
Penny,
You are the “cream of the crop”! I believe you missed your “calling” as they say….just yesterday you were consoling me!
You are such an inspiration and a sweetheart!
You are a wonderful Mom to your flock and to everyone around you.
Love you girl!!!
Shirley – you recapped it like I never could. Thank you. (((hugs)))
Lilla – I am honored that I was brought up in conversation with you and Danni! And no. There will be no culling or separation here. The rooster to hen ration is good here. This is just nature. As much as it sucks, it is just nature. Bobby Lee slips one down on the pecking order. It’s as simple as that. IF Bobby Lee refuses to accept his fate, well… then we have something to deal with. But if you saw Bobby Lee tonight, you would agree that it’s not likely. Pico will take the helm. Bobby Lee will be Beta Roo. And poor ol’ Duke will keep his spot as number three. Nature can be cruel. But in the end the flock will be well cared for.
Marmy – I do hope you will post about what happened to Janet. I’ve wondered and wondered. And I do know two roosters is at least one too many for you…… it’s just not easy, is it? (((hugs)))
Lisa – aw honey, who knew having chickens could be so heart wrenching???? I will go read your post now. And no, I can not handle doing “the deed”. Although it been done many, many times since that first one. I can do everything else, just not “the deed”. But that will change. I say that with a heavy heart, but I know if I am the sole person responsible for sentencing these chickens to death, I need to have the courage to see it through. It will happen. And I’m not happy about it.
Julie – ((((hugs)))) It’s always something, isn’t it? We just do the best we can do. You know I love you cuz.
Yep. Thats the way of it. We lost our beloved/hated rooster, Fred earlier this year….and I have to tell you.. I sure do miss that rascal. Big Pansy FredKiller just isn’t the same and I worry about the hens now. Sorry for the loss your friend suffered.. every farm loss is monumental. Its not just that turkey hen – its all the poults she would have raised. That poor gal..I’m sure she feels terrible. Give her a hug from all of us.
Ohiofarmgirl – yep. You “get” it. The turkey gal will be ok. This one is hard for her. It’s her first. I’ll visit with her tomorrow. She’s tough. But the first one is always hard. My heart aches for her tonight. I’m fixing to call and check in…….
Penny- Thank you such for coming down today. I really do feel that your advice to cull the hen was the absolute only decision that we could have made. I just hate how she died. I have to learn that life here is a little different. It was a lesson. I learned from it. I guess that’s all we can do, right?
And thank you for calling, it was so sweet of you. Your’e the best!
LisaG – I so wish it could have ended differently. Especially since it was your first experience. You are handling this well. And you are going to be a great farm gal! The death of any animal – intentional or not – should NEVER be easy. But we must realize it is sometimes necessary – to relieve the animal of pain, or to provide food for the table – and sometimes both. I would worry if this was easy for you. You did just fine. Your pain tore at my heart – it will never be easy, but your understanding will change. You are doing great. (((hugs)))
Ugh. Such hard decisions that have to be faced when you live on a farm, huh? I dont live on one yet, but I know that those decisions will come my way as well. And Im not certain that they will ever get easier. Altho, I am certain that the first time one has to be made it will be super difficult. ‘
That was so nice of you, Penny, to go over there and offer your support. That had to have made a huge difference in that experience for her.
I woke the other day to find my two ducks murdered… I am assuming by a dog. It is hard. But yeah, that’s the way nature works and sometimes nature just kinda sucks.
Frugalmom – yea, those decisions are no fun. But there really are so many more fun days than sad ones. Thankfully!
Amy – I read your post about your ducks. I am so sorry. What a horrible thing to wake up to. I’m so very sorry
Penny, you are certainly the best chicken Momma. Poor Bobby Lee. I am sorry he was hurt but, then he took Duke’s Place and just love love Duke. He is like my Jack. I hope he heals ok and he doesn’t try to take Pico out of control. Who knows what the future will bring. He could start lifting weights and eating more and come back and take charge, (although he probably won’t, just a cheerful thought).
Your poor neighbor, that is so so sad. I would have been hysterical also. I know that nature happens and if it is a natural cause it is sad but when another form of nature’s animals comes along and speeds it up, it is heart breaking. I remember when my former Dachsund Gracie killed a chicken on xmas day 2008. It was terrible and ruined our Christmas. We found her a nice loving home though.
I am hoping you and your neighbor has better luck and recover quickly. a broken heart is the hardest to heal.
XOXOXOXOXOXO to you.
Oh and my Jack jumped me last night, because I was in the way of him going after our other rooster. Little buggar bruised my foot because I tried to shield my legs. Won’t do that again, I hope he won’t get mean. UGH!!
This is the part of farm life that I always fear. When things go wrong like this, it causes such a heavy heart. I know I have to remind myself, it is the way of farm life and the way of nature. But that never makes it any easier!
Thank goodness your neighbor had you to help her through her ordeal… you’re the kind of neighbor I wish I had!!!
Lisa – Duke can be sweetie – and he can be a jerk! Never again will I baby a rooster. He was the first and last. You really must think like a rooster – don’t let them eat before the girls – don’t let them mate in front of you – NEVER feed them before you feed the girls. I know that sounds harsh – but THAT’S the way roosters act. You know that. And it’s the only way to keep peace with roosters and let them know YOU are the alpha roo. I remember rescuing Duke from Bobby Lee – and then Duke would attack ME to protect Bobby Lee! That is truly the nature of nature. And understanding it is the only way to live with it……
Oz Girl – It’s never easy. NEVER. But it really is a fact of farm life. It stinks. No doubt. But the fun times WAY outweigh the sad times. It’s worth it. That’s not to say you won’t cry yourself to sleep from time to time…. but you are strong. You can do this. My money’s on you