Ginger Chicken Goes To The Vet

The last really cold snap we had, my neighbors were worried about
my chickens and their combs.  I had read to put Vaseline on them, but
since I'm anti-petroleom byproducts, I didn't use vaseline.  After
my neighbor told me her concerns plus the fact  that her sister used it
on her chickens, I was embarrassed about being amiss in caring for
my chickens.  They enjoyed my rubbing it on, sat very still--very proper
chickens.

I was more concerned about Ginger's comb than any of the others.
Her's was damaged when she was small, so I wasn't sure how she'd
handle the cold.  The end of the first day her comb looked a little
"rusty" in color, but I thought she'd just gotten some dirt stuck to the
Vaseline.  The end  of the even colder 2nd day, her comb was black.
The next day was Monday and I made an appt with a vet.  I explained
the old injury, etc to the vet.

My daughter was skeptical.   But Ginger went into Daisy's cat carrier
easier than I thought.  Seat belted into the back seat, there she was
and when the car started moving, she started cooing more than she ever
had.  Apparently, she liked to ride in cars!  Who knew?

When we got there, I was asked her name by the secretary.  I said
Ginger,  "And her last name?"  I didn't realize chickens had last names,
so I was quite flustered and said, Ginger Chicken".  I had forgotten
that Ginger Chicken was actually a dish made with chicken.  My daughter
said, "Sounds tasty."  But it was too late to change it by then. I was
horrified. Since these chicken came into my, I no longer eat chicken
of any kind.

Ginger and I went into exam room and I got Ginger out of cage and I
held her while vet examined her.  "I think this may just be dirt"  And the
vet began to clean her comb gently.  Ginger did great.  Vet was surprised
that she she didn't have to be anesthesized to accomplished this.  I was
indignant.  "My chickens have manners--they're used to being handled."
That would sound crazy anywhere but Asheville.

Went back outside after figuring out how to get cat carrier back together,
I went outside, sitting chicken on the floor, and gave my credit card to pay,
Didn't ask how much or anything.  I was trying to ask when I dumped my
whole pocketbook's contents on the countertop.  I  finally got it put back
together, and was told that the 10 minute cleaning of'comb cost me 63.00--
howeverI did learn Never to use Vaseline--that it prevented the skin from
breathing and actually made the chicken colder.  Live and learn  and pay
for the experience. 

All for now--

Kate Thorn