Bette has survived the attack of 8 days ago, and today she decided to lie down outside the coop for a change. I'm not certain if it's because she has been ostracized by the others, for she has not rejoined the flock, and nobody speaks to her except to say unpleasant things.
Mostly they seem to pretend she isn't there.
Nobody wants to be reminded of infirmity or decline, even a chicken.
A friend of mine died of cancer nearly 11 years ago, but for the 18 months prior to her death, her life changed in ways she had not anticipated. People treated her as though she were already dead when she was still busy fighting for her life.
"You still here?" seemed to be the general tone.
At funerals I have noticed there are the groups divided by time, and if illness or hospice was involved, someone who was part of the end of life care gets up and speaks about the departed... such a contrast with the stories of childhood friends or mid life associates.
A little over a week ago, Bette was the alpha hen, perched at Buck's side, pointing her beak in the direction of any one thinking they could move up in the pecking order at her expense. Now she is a different person. Whatever happened when that predator took a bite out of her, took a bite out of her spirit. She no longer confidently struts down the days of summer with sparkling eye. Buck has 4 ladies left to follow him around like talkative ornaments, but the number one wife is left alone to heal by herself.
I don't know if she's going to make it. I was hopeful because she laid an egg this week, but then it disappeared. Did she eat it? She has lost heart and is despondent. There isn't anything I can do for her.
Mostly they seem to pretend she isn't there.
Nobody wants to be reminded of infirmity or decline, even a chicken.
A friend of mine died of cancer nearly 11 years ago, but for the 18 months prior to her death, her life changed in ways she had not anticipated. People treated her as though she were already dead when she was still busy fighting for her life.
"You still here?" seemed to be the general tone.
At funerals I have noticed there are the groups divided by time, and if illness or hospice was involved, someone who was part of the end of life care gets up and speaks about the departed... such a contrast with the stories of childhood friends or mid life associates.
A little over a week ago, Bette was the alpha hen, perched at Buck's side, pointing her beak in the direction of any one thinking they could move up in the pecking order at her expense. Now she is a different person. Whatever happened when that predator took a bite out of her, took a bite out of her spirit. She no longer confidently struts down the days of summer with sparkling eye. Buck has 4 ladies left to follow him around like talkative ornaments, but the number one wife is left alone to heal by herself.
I don't know if she's going to make it. I was hopeful because she laid an egg this week, but then it disappeared. Did she eat it? She has lost heart and is despondent. There isn't anything I can do for her.
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Glad to hear from you, but criticisms will be ignored. It's the beauty of the web. I will answer all friendly remarks. Buck handles the rest.