Omletina Kyckling Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 I've decided to rehome my hens. It's not an easy decision, but I'm not giving them the happy home they deserve. I've had problems the past few months with bullying, so rehomed two of them to stop this, and it seemed to do the trick, although Tiina was still a victim and would make odd clucking sounds when the others came near, which seem to make it even worse. Then last week I had my first fox attack, and lost Åsa, my favourite hen,a nearly lost Pia. The same fox has taken 14 out of 15 of the hens in the field behind, all in broad daylight, so since then I've been keeping my hens locked up in the run. They are obviously unhappy and bored in there, so the bullying has started again and Tiina is in a really bad way, bless her. I don't have the space to be able to isolate her, so with a heavy heart, I've decided it's kindest if I rehome them all and have a break from henkeeping. I have accepted that my garden just isn't big enough to keep hens in, not happily at least. I can't protect them from foxes here, so that's supported my decision. I've also struggled over the past few months after losing my dad, so little things seem like mountains. I'm grateful to a lovely friend who's offered to take them. I'll still be on here as an honorary hen keeper, but just won't have the hens any longer Perhaps one day when I win the lottery and have a house with a giant garden again, I can have a rethink and start again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Oh Diane, im so sorry you've had to do this, and i know this decision hasnt come easily for you. I know it will be done with a heavy heart and more than a few tears. But, i for one, support you wholeheartedly with your decision hunni. Its lovely that you have managed to rehome your girls, that must be some comfort for you at least. and dont forget, whenever you feel the need for a cuppa and a chook cuddle, you know where i am, i would love to see you again. *Big Hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 sorry that you had to make this decision, but I'm sure that it is the best option for you and your hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Oh no ...So sorry to hear this. Maybe a short break will be all that you need.xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 A hard decision carefully made. You obviously love you hens and have decided given the fox issue and you current life circumstances that this is the right choice for you.....so well done Perhaps when you are feeling stronger you will revisit your decision and decide if it is still right for you. Glad you are staying on here to chat to your friends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 I'm so sorry Diane *hugs* x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Oh no ...So sorry to hear this. Maybe a short break will be all that you need.xx Same from me, perhaps a break will suffice cxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millie-Annie Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 So sorry to read this but I applaud you for being brave and thinking of your hens and not yourself They will have a lovely life and you will be able to relax and not worry about bullying and foxes. I know what you mean about mountains and molehills and sometimes it is just all too much. I hope it isn't too sad for you xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy chick Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 How sad. Good for you putting the chickens first. Big (((hugs))) from a total stranger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Well done for your decision. I know exactly what you mean when you say "I've also struggled over the past few months after losing my dad, so little things seem like mountains"Things will get easier bit by bit and one day I feel sure you'll feel able to look over the heap again and smile and then perhaps have some feathered friends once more. Bless you. I do hope we still hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 I'm very sorry to hear this, and it must have been very difficult for you. It sounds as if your hens have a lovely new home, and I hope that it won't be too long before you feel able to think about keeping chickens again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 Oh Diane, a hard decision for you, but sounds like the best one in the circumstances for both you and the hens. Sending you hugs. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 26, 2011 Share Posted July 26, 2011 So sorry to hear it, must be very hard for you. Don't leave it too long though, if you start with just a couple of new ones when you feel ready they can be a great comfort. Give your kitties lots of hugs and I hope that things start feeling better for you soon. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 So sorry to read this. It is a tough thing to do but you are quite right to weigh up what is best for your chickens. I really hope that you can keep chickens again in the near future when the time and circumstances are right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 I'm very sorry to hear this too . I hope you'll be able to get some girls some time in the future. In the meantime, get your fix here . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Lots of love to you... I'm sure you've made the right decision for the time being Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 So sorry to hear you're having to rehome your hens. I hope you can have some hens again in the future, but in the meantime keep visiting the forum whenever you need a hen fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Diane, I am so sorry to hear that you have decided to rehome your hens. You've been through such a lot, and cpme out on top, and I've always been inspired by the way you have dealt with things. I can see that you just don't need the strain feeling like you are letting your girls down, and I can imagine this has been a difficult decision to make. Like others have said, itmay be break will be sufficient to get you back on your feet, and I hope that you feel ready to take the plunge again in the not too distant future. If you get youngsters, they won't be used to free ranging anyway, so being restrained won't be so tough on them. I hope you'll keep coming to the forum, as I'll miss your posts if you don't. Hazel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Sending hugs and special wishes because I know what it's like when those mole hills turn into mountains. Good Luck for winning the lottery one day too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Oh Diane I am so sorry to hear this but not surprised that you have chosen to put your girls happiness and welfare first. You have had so many hard knocks of late that I completely understand where you are coming from. Take some time for yourself it's what you need. I feel sure you will come back to hen keeping before you know it meanwhile here is a virtual girl from me X hugs X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 I'm sure you have made the right decision, despite how hard it must be for you at the moment we are all here for you. I hope things brighten up for you soon; When it rains look for rainbows, when it's dark look for stars. xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Diane, I'm sending you lots of hugs as i know what a hard decision it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Sometimes things get too much and you have to make changes. Sometimes things seem bad but can surprisingly lead to positive outcomes. Enjoy your break from chicken keeping and keep yourself on this forum. Best wishes xx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
