Jennifer Jane Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions. We lost Doris (aka "You Little Devil"), after exactly 14 months of freedom. She survived the illness that finished off her cage sisters a couple of months ago, but she never seemed to fully recover her energy and enthusiasm. Yesterday she suddenly started to gasp for breath and shake her head from time to time. She was still eating, but took herself off to bed early last night. I hoped, rather than expected, that she would carry on until Monday when we could get her to the vet, but sadly she didn't even make it through the night. Her legacy was teaching the other girls how to sneak into the kitchen and steal the catfood. I think the neighbours won't miss me constantly exclaiming "Oh Doris!", but I will miss her friendly and sweet nature. On the brighter side... We rescued 3 more ex-batts yesterday, Florence, Gertrude and Hilda. They are darker, more flighty and feistier than the previous girls. Already the littlest and baldest, Hilda, has shown herself to be a bossy little madam, and has drawn blood from the combs of the other two. Florence tried to fly through the roof of the walk in run, hit the mesh roof, squawked and fell to the ground rather gracelessly, so we will be clipping wings. She also had a chest to chest fight with top hen Matilda through the mesh. I think introductions are going to be fun! The new girls haven't learnt to trust us yet, but they have quickly settled in to their new accommodation, and I hope they will help fill the hole in my heart left by Doris. RIP little sweetie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 So sorry about Doris, I know how you feel. Well done on your new girls though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
