I just got back from being away a week to visit my hubby (he works away and doesn't get home too often). I took Lulu with me as she always travels with me and loves the camper. The rest of the girls stay home in the care of a neighbour.
Before I left last week, one of the hens had a real pale comb that was quite droopy. I have a number of girls that aren't laying because they are molting or broody or reasons unknown to me. Anyway, she seemed to stay away from the others and not come running for food and treats. I picked her up to check her over and she seemed okay - no cuts, swellings, or anything visible that looked to be causing her discomfort.
When I got home, the neighbour was outside and said he noticed one of the chickens seemed sick. I went back and found her alone by the waterer. I picked her up and she seemed very fat like she was blotted or something. Her feet were cold and so was her comb.
I was walking to the shop with her to set her down on something so I could get a better look at her when she opened her mouth a couple times without making a sound. Her head drooped over and she was dead - just that quick. It was almost as if she waited for one more cuddle before she died.
I've had these chickens for 2 years and 2 months and had lost two of them early on when a neighbour's dog dug under our adjoining fence and got them. They were fairly young and I was fairly new to chickens so it was sad but didn't hurt like this.
I don't know if I could have done anything for her if I had been home but I feel bad that she seemed to be suffering. She didn't have a name (I only named Lulu) but it hurts to lose her. She used to come running sometimes for a hug and a cuddle - not all of them like to be picked up and held but she did. Some days, it seemed like a cuddle was more important to her than the treats I had brought because she would squat at my feet waiting to be picked up before she eat any treats.
I dug a hole in the corner of the yard and buried her there. I am sitting here crying over a chicken - one of 28 that was just supposed to be a layer and not special. I guess they all are special. It feels like I have lost a friend. Goodbye to a chicken who will remain nameless but will not be forgotten. :(
I am so sorry. Even though you did not intend for her to be a pet, it is hard not to develop affection for something that enjoys your presence. At least you were able to be there with her at the end.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you lost one of your hens, even if she wasn't a pet. She was still a friend. It seems late summer is always so hard on the chickens, so many die this time of year.
ReplyDeleteAt least you were their with her, and from the way it sounds she might have become egg bound. And with chickens you rarely can do anything.
Kit
I am so sorry for your loss Joan xxxx
ReplyDeleteWe had chickens for many years. They all seem to have their own personality. It can be sad to see them go.
ReplyDeleteDear Jojo,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I recently lost my Flutter, and like your girl, she too had a water balloon feel around her lower vent area. I took her to the vet and she had an egg impaction and there was nothing the vet could do. Please know your sweet hen was so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving and caring shepherd as you. She felt the dirt under her feet and the sun on her back and that is so much more than can be said for so many other chickens. Know that you're in my thoughts.
Caroline
Thank you everyone for your kind words. It is nice to know how many caring people there are in the world. Take care and God Bless you and all your feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your girl. I'm tearing up reading your words about her. So, no, she wasn't just a chicken. She was a beautiful little spirit who came to you for cuddles. You are grieving. Be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. You're right -- they're all special.
ReplyDeletefelling sorry about your loss.....
ReplyDelete