Assets and spaces.

Accumulation is not the same as living.

(Photo by Zeb)

This week at CP,* I had Noddy, my lovely ten year old hen, put to sleep. I noticed about 2 weeks ago, she lost interest in food and she had a mucky bottom. A mucky bottom is a definite sign of digestive issues in chickens. On Saturday she lost the use of her legs, that could have been for a multitude of reasons, the bottom line is she is a ten year old old lady. The vet agreed with me that Noddy had no quality of life and that wouldn’t change. However, I never do these things lightly

Over the years, Noddy had moved up the pecking order to top hen. I am not sure who will fill that vacancy, it will be interesting.

When I returned from the vets, I did what I always do, I showed the other hens her body.

The other hens were interested in the box and they almost queued, silently, looked at Noddy and moved away for the next hen. It is important they know she is no longer here, or they will look for her.

With life comes death. It is a hard lesson, but we all have to learn it. I have always believed, when you have animals, you sign up to sickness and health, for richer and poorer. (Forget the marriage nonsense!)

Noddy only laid a couple of eggs last year. On paper she was unproductive.

Noddy will not leave an asset. She will leave a space.

Some people accumulate. Some people cultivate.

I know which makes a life less poor!

*Chez Poulet