(no subject)

[pacificpikachu]

I found Sarge the rooster dead this morning. :( He seemed fine whenever I checked on him, his feathers were just icky like everyone else's (it's molt time), but when I checked his body, he was quite thin. His feathers hid it well. I feel bad that I didn't notice before... Birds do hide their symptoms incredibly well, though. Considering he only had one eye and a crossed beak, it's possible he had some genetic or internal problem--oftentimes those physical deformities are signs of problems inside the animal, too.

He was hard to deal with and sometimes bothered the small ducks, so in a way it'll be easier (I feel bad even saying that but it's true), but of course I'd rather he had lived a long life. I just had no reason to suspect anything was wrong with him. I'm not devastated or anything, but it's always sad to lose a bird. I saw lice on him when removing his his body, so that rose the alarms.

I checked a few live birds and, yep, definitely some mites going on. Gross! This is a tough time of year for chickens, though, so it's not that surprising. Their immune system isn't as good during molt and I think the long months of heat take their toll, too.

So, I went through and dusted nearly every single one of my fowl. Almost 100 birds, all by myself! It was a dirty, straining, and somewhat toxic process, but I feel much better now that they've all been dusted. Now I have to do it again in two weeks and that should do away with all those bugs. Antibiotics in the water for a few sneezes here and there, too, and vitamin supplements in the feed.

Wizzy, the hen in my icon (who is nearly feral), was of course the hardest to catch. I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to catch her at all, but managed to trick her by standing still for a long time and then suddenly grabbing her.

I've got to say, a cool shower when you're really nasty feels so good. *A* I don't like getting dirty, though I'm not extreme about that or anything, but I love washing it all off.

Anyway, going to chill for a while after all of that hard work!

Comments

[derranged.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for the loss of your birdy. I always feel sad about it when you mention one of your babies passes away, which happens quite a lot it feels like. I guess it cannot be helped, you must have soooo many birds!! I always admire how you take care of them and rescue poor ones. Knowing you makes me have more love and respect for chickens and foul-type birdies!

[pacificpikachu.livejournal.com]

It's okay! It was unexpected, but I also feel like...well, he was a rescue (someone found him on the side of the road), and I did what I could for him. Of course I wish I had noticed sooner that he was struggling, but, well, these things happen. I do lose animals a lot simply because I have 100+ animals, and with that many, your odds of something happening to someone periodically are fairly high no matter how hard you try. That said, aside from losing my two really special chickens to the bobcat or whatever it was, lately the flock has only had minor issues, so I'm thankful for that.

Thank you! I really really love poultry and always want to share my love of them with everyone. I wish everyone knew what wonderful animals they are, almost no one has any idea!

[derranged.livejournal.com]

I admire your passion for poultry too, because it's so unique and different! I feel the same way, with loving animals that most people either dislike or have no understanding or passion towards. Like, one of my passions are snakes, and I love many insects too!! And there's sharks and sea slugs, and gosh.... toooons of animals that are known to be misunderstood or even feared and hated... I LOVE THEM!! EEeee!! And I think your poultry are so cute too!! If I ever came over, I'd wanna give hugs, kissies, and cuddles to all of them!! ^o^

[koyaaniisqatsi.livejournal.com]

Ugh, that sucks. I'm so sorry. :( *big hugs* <3

[pacificpikachu.livejournal.com]

It's okay. It's too bad, but I did what I could for him and sometimes I just don't notice something is wrong no matter how good of care I provide. At least he had a good life while he was here, for the most part.

[calambmity.livejournal.com]

I have to say you're a trooper and you worked right on through. Big thumbs up. :)

Yeah the best thing at the end of the day is a rewarding shower, it's one of the greatest feelings in the world!

Oh no, I'm sorry about him must be a weird mixed feeling.