SJ1703 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 (edited) Hi Zoe and Chloe arrived on 23rd September, and we've been waiting for the first egg with much anticipation. Late on Wednesday afternoon (two days ago), Zoe started crouching in the garden and was very subdued. When it got dark I gently moved her into the nesting box. In the morning there was herfirst egg - albeit a softee. She looked a bit surprised by events, but was generally herself on Thursday and pottered around the garden quite happily. Since we let them out this morning (Friday) she's again been very subdued - although she's had a gentle wander around the garden, periodically sitting on the nesting box. It's now 6pm and she's still sitting on the nesting box. Is this normal behaviour at 'first egg' time, or ought I be concerned? From a worried first timer, grateful for any advice. Sarah Zoe - first egg 19/11/08 Chloe - yet to lay Edited November 22, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Hello Sarah and welcome to the forum . They often lay the odd softie when they start out and it can take a few days for the egg laying to get into a normal routine. Softies can make them look a bit miserable too. I wouldn't worry too much unless it continues for a while. If she's sitting in the nestbox at night, it's probably nothing to do with egg laying, it's just that it's comfy . You can gently move her out of the nestbox or you'll find a pile of poo in there in the morning! Hope that helps . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ1703 Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 Thanks for your reply. The sad news is that Zoe didn't make it through the night. I'm no expert but it seems to be that laying that first egg totally exhausted her and she never really recovered from it. Then a second one a couple of days later was just too much. I found her in the nesting box this morning. I don't know if there's anything I could have done, and am obviously very sad to have lost her so soon. But I know thst she was happy and loved while she was with us. Chloe looks a bit lost this morning - wandering around the garden by herself, so we hope to get her a new friend before too long. Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I was really shocked to read this - I am so sorry Sarah I don't think there was anything else you could have done. hugs x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear about Zoe, Sarah... Sending you lots of love... xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Oh my word, what a shock . I'm so, so sorry . It was obviously nothing that could have been prevented so don't feel bad . I feel awful having posted that she'd be absolutely fine and not to worry . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Dont worry ANH, I think nearly all of us would have posted a similar reply. I don't think anyone would have predicted that poor Zoe wouldn't make it. So sorry again Sarah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ1703 Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 Hi Guys, Thanks for all you kind words. ANH - PLEASE don't feel bad about your first post. She went downhill very quickly. I think it was just one of those things - sad though it is. Chloe is still looking a bit lost, and seems to have taken up residence on top of the Eglu run to keep a look-out. Thaks again. Sarah x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 SJ1703 sorry to hear about Zoe. Passing a softie does make them look hunched and unwell and I would have given the same advice as ANH as they usually perk up back to normal once the softie is passed. How awful for you when you've not had them long. They can go downhill very, very quickly with little or no warning. Hope Chloe is OK and that you find a friend for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 So sorry to hear about about Zoe. It seems so tragic somehow after waiting so long for her first egg and then her failing so fast . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ1703 Posted November 23, 2008 Author Share Posted November 23, 2008 Hello, Just a quick update for you. Although it somehow seems a bit fast, we've been to Cotswold Chickens this morning to get a new friend for Chloe as we were concerned about her being on her own for too long. Anyway, we came away with not one but two new additions - New Zoe (Bovan Goldline)and Helena Bonham-Chicken (Amber Lee). I just need to stop worrying about a repeat of our previous bad fortune. Fingers crossed everything will be ok this time. I shall be glad once we've got over the first egg hurdle with each of these girls. Thanks again for all your kind words. Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 I know it seems a bit quick but they are a flock animal and shouldn't be on there own. it's all the better for Chloe. Hope New Zoe and Helena-Bonham-Chicken settle in well. any pictures? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Sorry to hear about it. Sometimes they do die completely out of the blue like that. No comfort, but there wouldn't have been anything you could have done to change it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Glad you have got Chloe some friends, she would have been very lonley on her own. I got mine from Cotswold Chickens too - they are lovely girls. Good luck with your new girls, I am glad you were not put off by Zoes sad death Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 That's great news . Love the name Helena Bonham-Chicken . I'm sure your chicken-keeping will go smoothly from now on and you can just enjoy them with no worries . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Sorry to hear about Zoe. You have done the right thing getting two more. Don't worry about it seeming soon...as others have said, chickens need others with them to be happy. I lost one of mine out of the blue last August. She laid every day until the day she died. There was no sign of anything wrong. These things happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Good news that you've got a pair of new girls! Nice to know that Chloe will have some company! Hope everything goes well for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ1703 Posted November 24, 2008 Author Share Posted November 24, 2008 Hi everyone, Just had to post an update. New Zoe and Helena Bonham-Chicken seemed to have settled into their new home, and have more or less made friends with Chloe. And most exciting news of all........... ..............New Zoe has produced her first egg. Small but beautifully formed and, most importantly, with no ill effects! Here's to many more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Glad to hear you've had some happy news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
