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I haven’t posted for awhile, much has been going on…I have been diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread to my bones, so I decided I needed a respite for a few months to deal with this “intruder”, and therefore I decided to re-home most of my birds. My original cancer occurred in 1998, so I am confident that this “Dance with the Devil” will be successful this time around as well. I am keeping some pullets and one breeding pair, so that I can breed again this winter/spring, when my present females are of age. Unfortunately, I am SO-O-O addicted to hatching now, that it is very hard to contemplate doing NOTHING for the next few months! Well, not really “nothing”, but you know what I mean!
Conventional medicine says that there is no cure once cancer has metastasized to the bones, and since I have never had a high regard for chemo and radiation, I am using Alternative Treatments in reversing my cancer. I will keep you all posted as to my progress (and YES, I’m positive there will be progress!), but I’m not sure this is the right time/place for details…If anyone is interested, I’ll be happy to share those details and sources, just ask!
My birds left yesterday morning…It is eeriely quiet here now…I am sad, but it was definitely time for my roosters to have girls of their own, something I couldn’t provide them. Even my 3 1/2 month old roos were ready! It seems that my boys all mature faster than their sisters, which does not lend itself to harmony in the flock! They all went to a very sweet woman with a farm in Georgia. I will miss them all, but as I contemplate the future of my present stock, and my own future as well, I am toying with the possibility of later getting some Silkied Seramas, and perhaps even some Frizzles! As they say, “When one door closes, another one opens…we just have to be looking for it!” I just have to be patient for awhile…Also, and this is important to note, out of 24 offspring, HALF of which were roos, NONE of the roos turned out to be “Quiet”, like their fathers…So much for breeding quiet (aka Squeaker) roosters!I guess my adult roosters were just a lucky happenstance!
Hmmm, funny…Talking about The Future, and what Could Be, has lifted my spirits somewhat…Imagine that! Once my test results indicate that my cancer is diminishing, it will be time to consider buying some new birds! I’ve decided to use that as an incentive to stick with my treatment, “the carrot at the end of the stick”, so to speak! I’ll be sure to let you all know as soon as that door begins to open!
I just found your website – by accident in my never ending search to learn more about my new Seramas. First let me say I wish you the very best in your battle. What intrigued me to write was your comment on alternative medicines. I am new to this theory and thanks to my horse that has been battling EPM – I have looked for alternatives for him and his well being with pretty good success. Now I am searching for alternatives for my chickens their well-being. Currently I am battling a bout of Coryza (or so it appears) and everyone is saying antibiotics. However I was wondering what tips you might have for alternative care and treatment of the birds? I am a strong beliver that there are better options than those of the pharmaceutical world.
I would love for you to drop me an email and I very much look forward to reading more on your blog as it has been very fun and informative.
Thanks!!
Cathy-
I’m glad you found me! I do try to use “natural” remedies when I can! I have not had any experience with Coryza, but the recommendation seems to be Sulmet (Liquid)…Treat the entire flock for one week, then give probiotics – either in the water, or feed them yogurt. Coryza is highly infectous, so if your birds are housed or drink together, it’s best to treat them all. From what I read, if the Coryza does not go away after using Sulmet, then it could be Chronic Respiratory Disease, a different disease. I routinely give my birds Organic Apple Cider Vinegar plus garlic in their water…this acts as a probiotic (from the “live” cultures in the ACV), and as a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal (from the raw garlic). This combo aids in their feathering, and also in their calcium uptake. I have also read good things about sprinkling powdered spirulina on/in their food, as a preventative, found at the health food store. If you join this group (it’s free), you will find a lot of information on organic raising of chickens. We can’t all afford organic feed, but it never hurts to learn about natural, less-harmful ways to take care of our chickens (and ourselves!). If you post your problem there, perhaps someone might have a better suggestion for you…Good Luck!
Hi Juliette,
You have been on my mind a great deal lately. I wanted to drop you a note and let you know that the birds are doing well ~ and laying frequently. They all seem to have settled into the routine around here very well.
I hope that your treatment is progressing well and hope to read more about your recovery in the very near future!
Rhonda-
So-o-o-o glad to hear from you! I have been thinking of you, too, and am thrilled that everyone, (birds, that is), has adjusted to their new home…I feel certain that they could not have found a better adoptive home!
I should have a “progress” report by the end of next week, and I’ll be certain to post the results. It’s still a little early “in the game” to see any drop in numbers, but I’ll be happy just to have those numbers stay the same for now, and not increase…
Thanks so much for your “good vibes”!!!
Juliette,
I was looking for photo’s of Serama’s and had visited your website more than once but just now noted your “bump” in the road. I also noted you haven’t updated since October and I don’t wish to intrude, but I wanted to wish you the best.
My Serama’s came directly from Jerry’s Serama’s and I am just getting started but I would like to offer you a pair out of mine when you’re ready and able. You have my email address if there is anything I can do, please ask.
Cat
i am 15 and love frizzeled seramas ive owend a pair befor (but not frizzeled) and i had a blast with them!! and i was wondering if someone could tell me were to find some i would be very thankful
Thank You
Darren-
I will have some smooth and frizzled seramas available next month on my For Sale page…If you are looking for pet quality seramas, I will have some of these also, FREE plus the cost of shipping ($60), and I can fit 4 into one box with no additional charges. Be sure and check back in a few weeks, or let me know and I’ll add you to my ‘advance notice’ list.
Hi Juliette,
I have just been reading through your page. I pray for the healing of your cancer. I have not come across the silkied Frizzles before and it is lovely to read about the joy people on your site are getting from them. I wish that I lived nearer.
If you ever want to talk please email me.
I will continue to pray for the healing and protection.
Hello Juliette! You don’t know me but I read your posts all of the time on BYC and I’ve spent many hours drooling over your cute fuzzy birds. I have a pair of seramas -specially trained to watch t.v. and cluck/crow at my husband. The silkieds are my favorite. They’re so cute! Anyway, with as much time as I have spent reading on your site, I never noticed this post before today. I wanted to wish you the absolute best. I noticed that you have quite a few seramas now. Does that mean you’re in remission? I hope so! Good luck, sweetie. Let me know about your option for alt medicine (my best friend has breast cancer – she isn’t doing so well so any advice helps)
J.J.-
Thanks for your encouragement! I will send you some info for your friend via email this week, after I get some birds shipped out…It’s been a very good auction, so I have lots of birds to box up! Remission isn’t the right word for my scenario, but I can say that my situation is no worse than before, so “that’s a good thing”!!! Look for my email later in the week…
Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. I’m glad that you aren’t doing any worse – that’s always a good thing! I’ll be watching for that Email!
Just tell those Dr’s that you have no time for cancer!!!! You are far too busy with your beautiful birds! Happy to hear “so far, so good”.
You need to stay healthy for all of us!
I knew that somebody raising this beautiful chickens was special one. I will put you in prayers. There is ole, honey and cinnamon to take for 15 days, Is something natural ask u Dr. Take care we need people like you….Fred (Nam Myoho renge Kyo) S.G.I. USA