Solitary chicken - need advice

[Lydia]

Today is a sad day as we are having Bartel put to sleep later on. She's suffered some kind of fit or stroke or something and has no co-ordination, can't walk or stand up and, we think, little sight. She can still hear but she's not eating or drinking and I'm not having her suffer for longer than necessary so the vet is doing the deed this afternoon.

 

Bartel and Hatpin were our first ex-batts so it's end of an era.

 

She and devoted companion Hatpin celebrated their 2 year anniversary with us last week. It's heartbreaking to watch Hatpin who likes to keep in eye contact with Bartel at all times and keeps going up to her and softly clucking. Hatpin and Bartel have been dotty about each other from the day they arrived together and she is going to miss her I think.

 

This is how Bartel arrived to us

 

and this was her last summer giving me her best "what do you think you're looking at?!" face

 

 

Bartel was one of the lucky ones - she spent more of her life being freerange than being a battery hen.

 

The timing isn't great but we'd already agreed to rescue 3 new ex-batts from Hen Rehomers (probably part of the same rescue that mrsallen08 is involved with) on Saturday. 3 new lost little souls to rehabilitate.

 

Things don't stand still for long.

[Olly]

Sorry to hear that, but it sounds as if she's had a happy life with you. Two years of life as a free chicken is a pretty good deal.

 

It sounds like exactly the right time to be rehoming some more hens - nothing will replace Bartel, but Hatpin will need some companions. Good luck this afternoon, it's hard but you know when it's the right time.

[Tweety]

So sorry to read your sad news, but Bartel has clearly had a lovely long life with you and you are doing the right thing for her. Good luck with your new girls.

[Budgies]

So sorry to hear about poor Bartel, but what an amazing life she's had with you.

 

Very good luck this afternoon at the vet - never very pleasant but at least you're stopping her suffering.

 

And very good luck with your new girls, in many ways as you say, it's good timing - at least Hatpin won't have long alone.

 

Sending you hugs (((()))))

[Guest]

She looks like she had a great time with you and she has had the best, so dont be hard on your self and now it sounds like you are going to do the best for some new ones. I am sure she would approve thankfully.

 

When I get an eglu will do the ex bat rehoming think its an honorable thing to do

 

indie

[*mummy_hen*]

This post has made me cry.

 

I just want to say well done for givong her such a lovely life ouyside of that hell hole she was in before. It must be so sad as i know how much i love my ex-batt girlies but do remember the happiness you have given/had from them.

 

Big hugs to you and i wish you the best of luck with your new girls.

 

X

[poachedegg]

Sorry about Bartel , however you have given her a great couple of years.

 

Good luck with your new ex batts.

[Lydia]

Thanks for your replies. Bartel is no longer suffering now and my vet really is a super guy - he even let me slip out the back of the surgery afterwards so I didn't have to run the gauntlet the waiting room.

 

Hatpin isn't alone, she's got the company of our 6 other hens. Despite being part of a flock she and Bartel were always together, always in eye contact and always slept side by side. This morning Hatpin is looking around for Bartel and is noisy. It is heartbreaking. I hope she gets over it soon.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I am so sorry to hear about Bartel . You made the kindest decision though, by the sounds of it. I hope Hatpin isn't sad for too long . Good luck with your new rescue girls.

[Seagazer]

I'm sorry to hear about Bartel, it sounds like you gave her a lovely life.