Tuesday, July 17, 2012

In loving memory of Gerty


If you have been following since June 2011 you may remember Gerty the chicken developed a swollen crop (stomach). For the first few months we tried massaging the crop to prevent it going hard, and with much difficulty force fed her olive oil to move any blockage. Sadly neither worked and we gave up with an acceptance that she would probably die shortly after. As every month passed we were all pleasantly surprised to find her not only alive but appearing happy doing all the things chickens do. Eventually the expectation of her death faded, so last week when I went to collect the eggs it was quite a shock to discover her dead in the coop.

I never would have thought I would have come so attached to a chicken, but all of us in the family did. She provided us eggs, helped out in garden, provided companionship while we worked in the garden, and gave us many a laugh. I felt it only right that we show her the proper respect and held a small burial ceremony. I dug her a grave under one of the compost heaps, and while she laid at peace each of the family took turns at saying thank you for how her life touched ours. We then each throw a handful of dirt over her, before I pulled the compost pile back over.


When back inside the house my son went and grabbed his toy chicken that I gave to him when he was born.  Previously the stuffed toy went by the name of “chicken” but since Gerty’s death is now named Gerty. Gerty stayed by his side all that day. It was clear he was grieving a loss, and I wonder if we hadn’t celebrated would that loss have been kept bottled up inside without a means of expression. I hope the experience also taught my children that despite death being something we strive to avoid, it is something we celebrate, not fear.

In loving memory of Gerty here are a few photos and stories.


Gerty was usually the slowest of the bunch, except for the day I put the new nesting box in the tractor. Gerty was the winner of the mad rush and christened it with the first egg. You can’t see her, she is actually right inside the box.


On day Melanie and I were watching the chickens while we enjoyed a nice cup of tea, when Gerty fell from the perch and land in a cloud of feathers and squarks right on top of one of the other chickens. Her swollen crop made for some very poor but funny flying attempts.

There was also the time she had a banana peal stuck to her head, and the time she got her foot stuck under a root and couldn’t move. Without doubt you brought us many an entertaining moment.


She use to love to terrorise the children, pecking at the hems of their clothes. She taught my son how to be brave.

I was amazed how the other chickens looked after her. A few nights after cleaning the coop out and forgetting to open the door, I would return to find the girls all huddled around Gerty, protecting and keeping her warm. The leader Speckles would also insure she ate, telling Henny Penny to back off.

Gerty, may you rest in piece.

9 comments:

  1. That is so sweetly sad. The families (including the other chickens) warmth and consideration for Gerty really connects with my awareness that taking the time to feel together is a fundemental need that enriches life. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this sharing and shedding a tear for a life lived.

    Love & hugs
    Debbie

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    1. I know what you mean by "enriches life". Melanie and I recently attended a funeral of a member in Melanie's band. Despite it being sad it was also enriching to see so many people come together and comfortable show their emotions. It was about as real as it gets.

      Thanks Debbie

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  2. I am so sorry for the loss of Gerty. We kept chickens for a number of years (in a previous house and country) and they certainly do become part of the family, part of your daily routine. Best Wishes, Gillian

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    1. It never occurred to me about the daily routine. One can become quite attached to routine, and possible feel its loss. Do you miss having chickens? Will you ever get more?

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  3. Sorry to hear about Gerty. You do get attached to them don't you? When our Wonky died my son and I made a mosaic stepping stone with a picture of Wonky on it for her gravesite. It helped.

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    1. The making of a mosaic stone, now that is a beautiful way to celebrate a death. A mosaic is an activity that many people, like the whole family, can bond over and communally grieve.

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  4. I'm so sorry, Jason. We were really sad when we lost our Queenie as well. Our ISAs are getting on now - more than 2.5 yo, and they're laying much less than they used to. Queenie died after trying to lay a soft egg that cracked inside her - is that what happened to Gerty? Apparently it's very common with hybrids. Again, our condolences and our empathy. x

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  5. i have just come across your blog again...i was so sad for you and your family to read about the demise and passing of your dear giving friend Gerty the hen...i would so love to have a chicken or two but we only have a small suburban block and garden so it is the vegies that take the space the chickens would have...RIP GERTY...

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    1. Lovely to have you back Nattie, and thanks for the kind words. If I had restricted space I too would choose vege over chickens.

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