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| My last moment with Percy |
Next, we stopped at our local feed store and picked up a new chick feeder, new waterer, chick grit, 10 pounds of chick starter, and 50 pounds of grower feed. We were not sure if they had little items for chicks and we wanted to ensure that the chicks would be as comfortable as possible. I was nervous driving the entire time. Every possible worry passed through my stream of consciousness. No, this was going to all work out fine.
After what seemed like an eternity, we arrived at Maple Farm Sanctuary. Immediately upon stepping out of the car, I could sense peacefulness. I quickly was introduced to Cheri and her husband, the owners of the sanctuary. I was instantly struck by the kindness and caring heart of Cheri. She already had love in her heart for these two little chickens, especially Percy Peepers. She was very thankful of the donation and goods that we gave to the sanctuary. I took some pictures of Percy’s new home and spent a few moments giving him love and more kisses. I knew, however, that despite the ache in my heart, this was the right decision. Percy and Peanut Butter Cup were going to have a wonderful life here amongst cows, horses, fellow chickens, llamas, goats, geese and a large pig named Johnathan!
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| New friends |
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| New sights |
Today was not easy for me. I tried to create as many memories as I could about Percy. I wonder if he will remember me? I hope that he knows that he is loved and that I did this out of my love for him. I hope Peanut Butter Cup knows too that I will be forever grateful for his companionship to Percy. I’m glad that they will be together. I know that that little bird will continue to touch many more peoples’ lives. He is a special little chicken.
Interestingly, Cheri believes that Percy Peepers is female and Peanut Butter Cup is male. We agreed to be in email contact with one another over the coming months. I can’t wait to hear how everything is going! Good luck little chickens and may your guardian angels watch over you. You will both be missed but never forgotten.
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| Beautiful grounds |
Maple Farm Sanctuary is always looking for donations, donated goods and volunteers. If would like to help make a difference in the lives of animals, please click here.
Photo Credits: Tilly’s Nest
14 thoughts on “New Beginnings, Bright Futures”
Ohhhhh, Melissa! I wish I was there to hug you. What a difficult, and heroic decision. Percy and Buttercup are going to be so happy there. I just know it. (((hugs)))
I still keep crying 🙁 But I think I felt your hugs 🙂 Please keep us in your thoughts. Thank you!
Hi, I am so happy to have found your blog. I've been on an endless search for information on raising backyard chickens and your blog couldn't be closer to home….only a few miles actually, I'm in Marstons Mills! I can't wait to soak up all your wonderful posts, might take a while on my iPhone though:) Can you tell me is there anywhere local I can get chicks? Thank you for sharing your wonderful and inspiring journey.
Yes! Thank you for the compliments. Right now the Cape Cod Feed and Supply Store has assorted female day old chicks. They are not on Lombard street in West Barnstable anymore. They moved around the corner, behind the train station on Rte 149 almost to 6A. I was there today. They had alot of little ones but go soon!! Keep me posted:)
Thank you! I so did not want to mail order…went against my locavore leanings. I'll take a trip there in the morning. Is there someone there that can help me with everything I'll need to get started?
Also I'm trying to fund part 1 of your 5 part series on backyard chickens. When was it posted? Thank you!!!
Good luck. All the employees are very helpful!
1. You will need a brooder, not cardboard but like a large plastic storage bin perhaps.
2. Chick feed- non medicated
3. Heat lamp with 250 watt bulb
4. Chick grit
5. Chick feeder dish
6. Chick waterer
Part 1 is from 10/26/10
Part 2 is from 10/27/10
Part 3 is from 11/4/10
Part 4 is from 11/8/10
Part 5 is from 3/20/11
Also, pick up a copy of Raising Backyard Chickens for Dummies over at the Barnes and Noble. It is a great starter book.
Good luck! I know you will love it!–Melissa
Hi Melissa,
I thought of you all day yesterday, knowing you were taking sweet little Percy to the farm. As difficult as it was, I'm sure it was the right decision for all. You have such a big heart!
The farm sounds like a wonderful place, I plan on sending a donation in Percy's name!
Thank you Maryann! I am touched with your compassion for chickens as well. Thank you for being such a dear friend 🙂
Morning Melissa
I went to Cape Cod Feed and Supply this morning. It was great, my 2 year old loved the turkeys. The breeds they have are not exactly what I'm looking for but what I think I'll do is get 2 Blue Andalusians so my 7 year old can have the 2 baby chicks she adked for. Then, I found a lady in East Falmouth who has 1 Orpington and some Australorps and Bared Rocks that are thre weeks old so I'll get 4 of her birds. It'll mean I have to set up two brooders but that's not such a big deal. Now to get the hubby out building a coop:0
So glad you were able to at least get a couple of chicks today! Welcome to the wonderful world of backyard chickens!
Ahhhhhh……they are so cute! I've set them up in a large storage tub with a heat lamp. I hope it won't melt the tub!!
Check the temp, you might be able to get away with a 100 watt bulb you would use in the house. Be careful!! Heatlamps can be dangerous.
what do you think of this post now?
Reflecting back, I know that what I did was still the right choice. I am very saddened that Percy did not live a long life but with 2 young children and my hectic life, there was no way that I could attend to Percy's needs without my human family feeling neglected. Percy required much more than I could have given her. I still believe her best chance was at Maple Farm Sanctuary. It was a very difficult decision to re-home her. I still however, would not change a thing.