I never ask about my chickens, too afraid to hear who has passed on. I was thrilled to see my three roos this past summer. This afternoon I received news that Nacho, the youngest roo, was dying. Chickiebaby and Dash had been pecking at him and he is in a corner, not eating and giving up. The two roosters detected illness or weakness due to illness. They have lived together without incident for a long time now. Even when they roam free, they roam together. It hurts to hear of this.
I was told it was the smallest roo and that would be Nacho. My grandmother suggested not putting him in for the night and letting an animal get him. Horrors. My grandfather said that is much too cruel and called a friend to help move Nacho to his own cage where he will soon expire. I love my grandfather for his understanding and respect for this animal.
I might sound like a complete lunatic to many, I know I do, but these are unique, little creatures. There will never be another Nacho. I still remember so clearly what he was like as a chick. How he sat in my hand on the drive to Del Rio. He had such an earnestness.
This entire blog is all about my love of raising chickens, and now, missing them. Recently I contemplated getting two hens because I truly miss fresh eggs and chickens. I just really miss chickens. It was a thought that really made me happy. We might be leaving this town soon, then moving again and again so I'd have to give them up. No hens, not now. Not until I have a forever home with a yard.
Pets are blessed all month long to commemorate the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology. A small prayer to him today to rescue Nacho from this world as soon as possible. I will feel Nacho's absence and mourn his exit. How can I not when I was there when he entered this world?
Nacho is he still wet little guy Mama Ducky pulls in under her. Twinkie, his sister emerges curious. Twinkie....I have written much on this poor, troubled lil girl.