02/06/2025
Some of you who have been with us for a while may remember Katie. In October of 2022, I (Cari) was headed to the vet with some of our other chickens when I spotted her sitting on the side of the road. She didn’t look injured, but she was out of place. No other chickens around, no houses with coops. I pulled over to see what was up, and she stayed right where she was until I picked her up. She screamed, and I couldn’t tell if anything was really wrong with her, but my gut said to bring her along. When we got to the vet I brought her inside, apologizing profusely for this extra bird who was not on the schedule. I set her down and she flopped over like a sack of potatoes. She couldn’t stand or even hold herself up, and I was immediately relieved we had her.
Long story short, she had a fractured pelvis, and a large tear on her side that required nearly 20 staples. She had to be tube fed and medicated for weeks, and it was over a month before she even tried to walk again. But she recovered beautifully, and outside of having a little lean to her, she became a normal chicken! She joined a flock with our tiniest rooster and had 2 1/2 good years with us.
This past weekend, we lost her. Despite several veterinary interventions, we suspect she had cancer and her body could no longer keep up. She spent the last few days of her life laying in the sunshine with her friends by her side. Even on her last day, her tiny boyfriend stayed with her, dustbathing near her feet and preening her feathers. She was well-medicated to make sure she was comfortable, and she passed in the middle of the night. She looked just like she had fallen asleep.
Losing anyone here is hard, but Katie fought through so much to be here that it stings a bit extra. At the end of the day though, we gave her what we could. Her broken body was put back together to carry her through watermelon snacks and snuggling up with friends every night. She had a second chance at life and she took it. Her big personality is going to be so missed, but we are so grateful for the time she had with us. Rest peacefully, sweet girl. I hope we see you again. ❤️