Dodge Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 I have just received a very distressing phone call from my OH, in floods of tears. when she got home from work, she saw Vera had a very dirty bottom. It looked as though there was egg yoke mixed up with her poo, and it was matted in her feathers. So she very carefully washed it all out and then put her back down in the garden, and then she just suddenly keeled over and died. I can't believe that we have lost 2 girls in such a short space of time. We had both thought that they would have had a much better life expectancy than that So now we are down to 2 girls and we are both worried sick what's going to happen next…… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 (edited) I'm sorry to hear the news. You have been very unlucky indeed. They died free, which is a thought to hold on to. Edited May 7, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Sorry to hear that Dodge. What a horrible time you are having. Please think of the positives though. You gave them both freedom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 I'm so sorry you have lost one of your girls Without you looking after them, they would never have had such a lovely end to their lives. Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 I'm so sorry...how distressing for you...You really have been extremely unlucky in losing two so quickly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Oh no - what a horrible shock. I don't know how long ex-batts are supposed to live for after rescue as I'm not lucky enough to have any. I know it's no consolation but they had a lovely 4 months of happiness and chookiness. Sending digi hugs to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Im so sorry to hear you have lost another girl and i know it will be hard to think positive right now. However you have given those chooks an experience they would never have had if you hadnt rescued them and that is one of freedom and of being loved and cared for, having sky above them and being able to feel wind, rain and sunshine. Thats something to be very proud of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Tilytinkle Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Oh i am soo sorry you've lost 2 of your rescued girlies, How devastating, soo sorry for your loss. As everyone else has said, you gave them so much, much more in their last few months than ever before, you gave them love, kindness but most significantly you gave them life, freedom to be a chicken !! Many prayers & hugs with you & OH Bless you all. Ms Tilythinkingofyouandyoursinmanyprayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Dodge so sorry to hear about your chooks. At least they had a few months of freedom. Sending virtual best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 so sorry to hear your sad news for the freedom, care and love you have given your girls, they will be forever grateful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMO Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 So sorry to hear your sad news. Your girls were very lucky to live their last months in a happy home, doing all the things hens should. Big ((Hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 It could just be the nature of battery hens having a hard life, laying a large number of eggs over a short time. I don't think you could have done anything more. I'm sorry, I lost 2-3 hens over about the last year and it was very distressing, so I feel your pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Sorry to hear about Vera Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 It could have been egg peritonitis? If both girls went the same way it might be worth phoning your vet for advice, just to make sure it's nothing contagious like vent gleet. These poor girls have had such a terrible time before they get to their new homes that it's a wonder they thrive at all. You gave them a few months of kindness and freedom and you should comfort yourself with that thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 In the past we've lost the same batch,for want of a btter word, of exbatts within short space of time. I think they are just worn out. It's so sad, but you gave them a lovely, albeit brief time of proper hen life. You gave them that, so be proud, although sad at the same time. remember how they were when you got them, and how you gave them grass, light, freedom, earth..... the list is simple, but affirming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 So sorry to hear the sad news, Dodge . I echo what everyone else is saying, at least they had a taste of freedom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 Just caught up with this. How awful for you So sorry you're experiencing these sad events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyber Chook Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 What a sad time for you, so sorry, thinking of you. Caroline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayflower Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 I'm sooo sorry and sad to hear that you have suffered the loss of two ex bat hens. You gave them a very happy few months to experience being natural hens. The early death of ex bat hens also makes me very angry about intensive farming practices. Unfortunately, these little hens will always be vulnerable because of the damage inflicted upon them. It's early days yet, but please do not regret rescuing your hens. A few months in hens' terms is a long time where they experienced the joy of living. All the best for the future. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 I've just lost a precious pet--it hurts, doesn't it? Yet we can think as well as feel, and as others here have said, do focus on the kindness you have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted May 9, 2008 Author Share Posted May 9, 2008 Once again thankyou all soooooo much for your kind comments and support. Our other 2 girls both seem to be absolutely fine (touch wood) We are thinking about getting another 2 girls to make the numbers back upto 4, as the remaining 2 are rattling around their cube abit. I think to introduce 2 to 2 should hopefully not be too frightful for them. We were also thinking of maybe getting a couple of POL chooks from a reputable breeder, so that we have a bit of a mix. I will keep you posted of any further developments. Kind regards Dodge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phonix Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 sorry to hear about that loss...how awful. At least you know that they had an amazing life with you while you had them and the little things that we take for granted made their life so much better, Hope things go well with any new chooks you get! Stacey xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
