Suzy Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I have just returned from the vets. (First time I've taken a hen there which I thought was good news.) For days, our beloved top hen Regan has not been herself. She's not looking quite right, sometimes hunched, some times listless and very fluffy despite moulting I took her to the vet. He picked her up and immediately said oh my, she has a massive tumour. She does, in her undercarriage. She has practically disappeared before our eyes and as her body has decreased in size, her feathers have had nowhere to go and she has become quite fluffy. She’s in pain but because she is so tiny he couldn’t find a vein to put her to sleep. He said she is winding down so I have brought her in and she’s in a box in the spare room where she’s still with us. She just had a bit of corn, and she has water and a warm towel to sleep on. He said she should go quite quickly. He has hens as well so I know I trust him to know what he’s talking about. But it breaks my heart that she’s in pain. If they weren’t such flighty hens when we got them and we had persevered, we could have picked her up sooner, before she was too ill to run away and we could have stopped her going through what she’s going through now. Instead, I have got to wait and watch her disappear. So, I thought I’d let you know, as I’ve never seen this before or heard of it and don’t want anyone else to have to go through it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Suzy I am so very very sorry. Poor little darling. There is very little you can do except perhaps to comfort her and as you have done, keep her warm. Big cyber hugs. Having gone through my Pepperpot's prolapse last year, I know how awful it is to see a creature suffer. I wish her a swift journey to peace. Here is a good place to be..everyone here really understands...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veggiemad Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 what a sad story- we have exbatts as well and the fact that she has had a good retirement with you and been well looked after is something to hold on too. I wouldnt say fluffy feathers is a sign, 2 of our ex batts are very fluffy since their moult so dont beat yourself up that you should've noticed anything. I hope its not too said to watch her go, but its much better that what she would've gone through if you hadn't rescued her. so well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Aww, so sorry to hear this Suzy. You've done all that you can, she is comfortable and warm. She has been loved and looked after so please don't blame yourself. ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 So sorry to hear it. She's lucky she has you as she slips away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 That's sad news . I agree, don't blame yourself - at least you found out before she went so you have time to give her some comfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beulah59 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Poor little love. But she's warm and cared for so you are doing all you can. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 But it breaks my heart that she’s in pain. Instead, I have got to wait and watch her disappear. Please take this in the spirit that its meant, but have you considered helping her on her way and dispatching her yourself. I know when we were losing our Martha, it broke our hearts to see her suffering, but we still hung on to a hope that she would get through. If I was in that position again, I would help my girl get to the big flock in the sky rather than see her suffer. ((Hugs)) as I know how heart breaking it is to lose a girl xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikey Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Sorry but like everyone else has said at least she is the best place and more importantly knew life outside the battery. Thoughts with you hugz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 very sorry to hear about Regan x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 How very sad for you. {Hugs} you have done all you can, she has had your love and protection, she is safe and warm for her final hours. Like Space Chick, I think I would help her to fly high. {{Hugs}} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Big Hugs Regan has had a better life with you no matter what dont beat yourself up you are a wonderfull chicken mummy xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrambledhead Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Always sad to hear this news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy Posted January 13, 2010 Author Share Posted January 13, 2010 Well, she's still with us. She spent the night in a playpen in the spare room and ate and drank loads. She was quite perky actually but was obviously quite disorientated. Got up at 6:30 and looked in on her and she was up and about and eating again. Tried to give her some porridge and she started eating but then heard the others getting up and out of the eglu (we put their door shut and they push it open) and was more interested in replying to them. Was actually really cute. So, she's back out in the run with them and seems OK. I don't know if she'd worn herself out and was too cold to eat or anything but as long as she is eating and drinking and being a hen rather than a hunched ball of feathers, we'll do what she wants. She may well come back in this evening and I know she doesn't have long left. Will take each day as she comes. If she isn't eating and goes downhill we will make a decision as to what to do next. My vet didn't say he would dispatch her but I know he will if I ask. I would have no idea how to. You lot are mazing support. It is so nice to know you can come on here and just twitter on and know people don't think you are mad, just wanting to do the best for your hens. Thank you for being there.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Really glad to hear she is having a little respite and being with her friends in the run. I'm sure you're doing everything you can and I know how awful it must be for you to have had to watch her going downhill. Days like today when she is enjoying life must be heartening to watch though. skye xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 Awwww, how lovely. I hope she continues to improve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Kate Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 oh Suzy I am so desperately sorry - how utterly heartbreaking. but at least she had a good chance of a happy life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 They are such little fighters, glad Regan had a peaceful night and is enjoying today. Hope she continues to be bright and perky! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 You are doing really well, you will know when the time has come when she has to go. I lost my little Sparrow with tumours last year and took the decision after like you watching her for some time go up and down. Big hugs xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy Posted January 21, 2010 Author Share Posted January 21, 2010 Just to let you all know, my lully top hen Regan was put to sleep this morning. She was obviously a tough old bird and wasn't going to just die but soldier on but she couldn't even walk this morning and fell out the eglu. She had some corn and a drink of water, and we went to the vets. One of my friends is a veterinary nurse and she was put to sleep the same way that wild birds are if they need to be can be not nice to watch so I wasn't allowed, but she went with someone who knew her cuddling her. Through all her soft eggs, her various trials and tribualtions, she managed an amazing 1 year, 2 months and 14 days outside the battery cage. She has left a huge void in my life and I will miss her always. I shall have a bottle of champagne tonight in memeory of Regan, you are all invited to share a virtual glass in aid of ex-batts everywhere. Suzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doodledootoo Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 But thank the Lord she had some quality time and some freedom away from the battery cage. Drink that champagne with pride - you made one little hen life as happy as it could be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 Lots of hugs for you and well done giving her a loved life with you outside the cage. It's so hard seeing them go. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 So sad she had to go, but what a wonderful life outside the cage you gave her. RIP Regan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend21 Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 So sorry, I think we all are dreading that day but like the way you are dealing with it, you gave her a life she would never have had, well done J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
