Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Rudy Doesn't Look Good

This morning when I went to check on Rudy, he/she was asleep in a pile with the other chicks. This is normal, since they all sleep near each other. But, when I picked him/her up to offer water and food, the first thing I realized was that Rudy seemed colder than normal. He/She was alive, breathing, and chirping some, but definitely not acting normal. I offered some water, but she/he only took one sip and closed his/her eyes again. I offered food and Rudy pecked at it a little, but not like he/she normal does. I think the signs are all pointing that Rudy is failing.

That being the case, Sean and I evaluated whether Rudy was showing signs of pain. He/She isn't. Rudy is just tired. He/She wants to sleep. So, we at this point, we are going to let him/her do just that. Rather than return Rudy to the pen, where the other chicks would step on him/her or peck at him/her, I decided to tuck Rudy into a clean wash cloth and carry him/her with me while I go about my chores. Close to my body, he/she will benefit from my warmth and heart beat, while being left to sleep in peace. And, that is what he/she is doing right now.

We talked with Meaghan and Kristen to let them know what was happening. We will continue to offer food and water through the day if Rudy wants to eat or drink, but I suspect that time is short for this little one. I can't think of anything else we can do to help him/her. I don't want to give up, but sometimes, there just isn't anything that can be done. I am comforted to know that we tried. We are giving Rudy every chance to live, but we are also prepared that this is probably a losing fight.

And, ever present in my mind is that we not let Rudy suffer. So, if Rudy begins to behave like he/she is in pain, we will do whatever needs to be done. I suspect, that probably, Rudy will sleep more and more until she/he finally just doesn't awaken. But, I am still hoping for a "hail Mary" play at the end, you know? These little ones really touch my heart.



I'll keep you posted.

-Sonja ♥

Post-Script:
Sooo.... Rudy may not be ready to throw in the towel just yet. The girls wanted a turn caring for Rudy, so I let them. I just had them bring Rudy back to see would he/she need to eat or drink and to my surprise, Rudy heartily wanted BOTH. She/He spent a good ten minutes gobbling feed and chirping cheerfully the entire time. I put him/her back in the pen with the others and Rudy is doing fairly well right now.

I guess, we'll just wait and see.

2 comments:

  1. Glad to hear that Rudy wanted to eat and drink. That is definitely a good sign! I know how the little ones can touch your heart so I'm thinking about you and Rudy today and sending lots of positive thoughts your way!

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