Lucia Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 When I left for work this morning all four girls were bright and healthy, but came home to have only three run to the run gate to greet me. On further investigations I found Jennifer lying in the bottom of the run at the back. I gave the others some corn so I could go and get her (though it was obvious she was gone). Her whole bottom had gone - she was hollow! I found two eggs in the nesting box one of which was very bloody. I think she must have prolapsed and then the others pecked her to death. Thats the only explanation I can come up with especially seeing how dirty the others faces are. I just feel terrible - as I was leaving this morning she was just going into the nesting box to lay - I didnt think anything of it as she has never had any problems and was a good layer as well as being fit and healthy. My poor girl - if I had been at home I might have saved her. Just feel terrible, what a horrible way to go she must have been in so much pain. I know its daft but I could hardly look at the others. RIP Jennifer, I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Oh my goodness, how horrible for you, so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately chickens are very much programmed to peck at blood, so your theory is borne out by that. You can't blame them however, it's so hardwired into them. Please don't blame yourself either, you couldn't help not being there. Such a shock for you. I hope you can remember Jennifer's life with you with pleasure very soon. RIP Jennifer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucia Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Thanks Budgies - I don't blame them (anymore than I could blame the cat when he caught the budgie when left for a second), it as just such a shock . Just wish I had been here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 A nasty shock for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Poor Jennifer and hugs to you. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 What a horrible shock, I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 So sorry to hear about Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 How awful, I'm so sorry . There was absolutely nothing you could have done - even if you had been there, her prolapse may have been too bad to treat anyway . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 what a terrible shock for you! You can't blame yourself for not being there, we can't watch over our girls 24/7 so don't you dare blame yourself! Chances are the prolapse killed her and the others just took advantage. Sadly, that's mother nature Try not to blame the others, I know it's hard. Sending big hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucia Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Thanks - Just feel like I let her down. I left for work earlier this morning - if I had left at my usual time I would probably seen her and been able to either help her/take her to vet or at least have her PTS. Feeling terribly guilty and sad. She was the friendliest and sweetest out of all of them too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 It's natural to feel like that, when my girls passed away I blamed myself for not spotting their symptoms sooner, but we love our girls and do the very best for them but sometimes tragic things happen Don't be so hard on yourself, easy to say I know xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I'm sorry to hear your news, what a very nasty shock for you, thankfully its something most of us are spared but we can imagine how its added to your upset. RIP Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 How awful, I can't imagine how upsetting that must have been. I really feel for you... Sending you lots of love. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I'm so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 really sorry ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggquisite Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Oh that's really sad... really sorry to hear your news Lucia I can imagine you must have been devastated to find poor Jennifer like that but as everyone has said, it really sounds like there was nothing you could have done. Really sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucia Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Thanks everyone - feel a bit better now - think it was just the shock of finding her like that. Emily has a crusty head so I suspect she is the one that 'cleaned' out Jen - not sure I will be eating any of her egss for a day or two - Im a bit squeamish like that. On a more practical level, Hubby wants to bury her in the garden - but a friend tells me that its illegal? Anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 So sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I don't know if its illegal or not but lots of backyard keepers bury the odd bird. You need to make sure she is deep enough to stop foxes digging - perhaps put a slab/hard core down on top. Many people then plant something nearby as a memory as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear about poor Jennifer. Very sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
