Pumpkin has always had it out for her. And I've tried a number of things to break her of this naughty habit, my fear was always that if their Flock Mistress went away, would the naughty habits return? And they did.
I probably should have recognized and addressed this fact a long time ago. I was really naive when I thought I could pick up four different baby chicks and those would be my four for many, many happy years.
So I'm about to go out and pack up Pumpkin to take her to her new home. I'm sick about this. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I feel like I'm giving away one of my children. And that I failed them as a mother.
But Pumpkin has a stronger connection to her Asian Jungle Fowl roots. She's always been wily and feisty. She never liked to be held. Not even as a chick. But we loved her just the same.
I regret letting my desire for a colorful egg basket determine the breeds of chickens I chose. I wish I could go back and start all over with two Buff Orpingtons and two Barred Rocks or Cochins. But what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. And I have to believe that this has happened for a reason. What? I don't know. And may never know.
We love you Pumpkin. And we always will.
I am so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how hard it must be to give up one of your girls, but you are being so good to them all to do it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Clandestine. I really think this is all for the best. I had to scoop Pumpkin out of a nest box to take her tonight. I felt back doing that. But I tucked her into a nest box at her new home and she settled right down. Course, it was dark and she was sleepy so it was pretty easy. I hope she is happy and gets along w/ her new sisters. She'll be at the bottom of the pecking order but she had that coming.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had to do this but it seems to be the right thing to do. I'll never regret separating Lulu from the others who were pecking on her. But in my case it was different as she is still here and keeps me company in the house. I'm sure Pumpkin will settle in fine - the feisty ones seem to do fine. Take care.
ReplyDelete@ Joan, Thank you for your kind words. It was BRUTAL taking her over to her new home. But this morning I'm really at peace with my decision. Her new owner sent over a photo this morning and said she was doing just fine which really helps. Now I need to work on building Ginger's confidence back up. She's barely eating.
ReplyDelete