mayflower Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Well, we have had a sad few months. First Annie died. She was the top hen but looked after the others like they were her chicks. She died peacefully in her sleep from heart problems. My hens were a very close knit community mainly because of Annie. After Annie died they all went into mourning. I know that may seem strange to people who have not kept hens but it is the truth. Then three weeks later May died from a different cause...sour crop. Then Lucy became very ill and was dying, but I managed to revive her with a warm bath and a long cuddle. She got better and lasted very healthily for three months. Then she died. So now we have only Alice. When we first acquired Alice she was very vicious with the others and seriously tried several times to kill Suki who died last year(not from Alice) She became a lovely hen but had always stayed just slightly aloof from the others. When May died, Alice took Lucy under her wing....literally and became Mom. Now she is on her own and is thriving. She likes to be on her own. It seems strange just to have one hen. I have seriously thought about gradually introducing other hens or even giving Alice to someone with a flock, but it would'nt be right. The other day, after she had been out in the garden, I changed her run around with new logs etc. Alice became quite distraught so I had to change everything back again. Out of all the hens, Alice is the only one to respond to her name and also comes to see us, not for food that we give her. To be honest, I do'nt know whether I could go through this again. I certainly do'nt regret having these lovely hens. But I did'nt realise how strong the bond and community spirit is amongst hens. So that when stuff happens it's really sad. I think the difference between dogs and cats and hens are this. When we have dogs and cats they enter our world. They live by our house rules, and blend in with us. When we have hens we enter their world and become involved with their community. Without knowing it, we abide by their ways, for example waiting until dusk to lock the run...even when you want to go out in the evening! Sorry that I have rambled on but this is the first time I felt I could share this with you all. Thanks for reading this. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear of Alice's plight, you have explained her story so well and what she has been through. I can't offer any advice because you know the options, but you also know that the traumas you have had with your girls makes you realise the joy you have had as well. It's hard at the moment because you are grieving for them but you will find comfort from the positive things that have happened and the good times you had with them and will have with Alice will be greater. Hugs and good luck with the new girls when you get them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I lost my first yesterday and know how sad it is but sitting with the others as they went to bed reminded me of how much fun they are and how much joy they bring. I am with Plum, in that you don't need to make any decisions yet, especially if Alice is content on her own for now, just give yourself some time. Like Plum, I suspect some more little girls might find their way into your life when the time is right for you. Lots of ((hugs)) to you and Alice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Sending {{Hugs}} We all know what you are feeling right now. Those little hens get right inside your heart. Glad you were able to share your story with us. xx {{Hugs}} for you as well Dancing cloud. Hope you are feeling better today.xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 So sorry to hear about your sad experiences so close together mayflower. No wonder you're feeling down about it all. Maybe in time you and your girl will feel ready to think about new girlies but until then enjoy the stability you're experiencing. skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 How very sad I can understand how much you must be hurting right now, and your right about us going into thier world, its strange how such simple little creatures can capture our hearts so tightly. Hugs xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 these posts bring back the pain of losing my 1st 2 just before Easter. So sorry for your losses, the others have said it all, no rush for decisions. (Hugs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayflower Posted December 8, 2009 Author Share Posted December 8, 2009 Thank you sooo much for your comforting replies and you are all right. My sympathy to you Dancing cloud. Today I spent most of the morning with Alice whilst I cleaned out her run and house. She had a great time wandering around the garden and occasionally flying into the run to make sure I was cleaning her house how she likes it!! There was a robin in our garden and it was obvious he was very curious about Alice. He kept following her all around the garden flying from bush to bush. The robin probably thought that Alice was a giant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
