Sadness on the Farm

Country living isn't always perfect.  Some days are glorious and others can be tragic and difficult.  Unfortunately, we had a tragic day yesterday.  I got home from work last night at seven and noticed Serio was separated from the group in the shelter.  I handed Pearl off to my dad, grabbed my birthing supplies and ran out with Oliver to check on Serio.  I took this picture right as we entered the shelter and the flash helped me see that the baby was coming out breech.

Her body was limp, so I immediately started pulling her out.  I did a full neonatal resuscitation, but could not manage to bring her back.  Glenn and I think she may have died in the birth canal about a half hour before I got home.  I sat in the shelter with Oliver and Serio and cried.  We don't have any cute, frolicking kid pictures to share with you this morning; just one of a mom saying goodbye to her doe.

Thank you all for entering the contest.  I'm so sorry it didn't turn out the way I was expecting.  Congratulations to Jenny for getting closest to the due date.  I will send you your lip balm in honor of Serio Junior (named by Oliver).

I don't want you to leave this blog completely sad, so I will close with some pictures of our chicks.  Oliver and Glenn are showing the difference in size between our fancy chicks and our meat chickens.  These chicks are the same age, if you can believe it.

Pearl is developing some self control and can now enjoy the chicks without trying to squeeze them!