Omlet cube and run

[Lorax]

Hello all.

 

We got our calder ranger in, I think, October 2010 along with three others. Two are going strong laying the other, a Bluebelle, died of seemingly natural causes last year.

 

Our calder ranger was always the most prolific layer and the friendliest, but she hasn't laid an egg for over a year, which is fine, we still love her.

 

Recently however she's not been right. She sits with her tail down, head bowed. BUT she still runs for treats and eats well. We thought she might simply be getting old (I thinks he was about 17 weeks when we got her, we got her from the Hen House in Thorndon which is very reputable). Today things seem to have taken a turn for the worse, she was sitting under the cube with her head right in her feathers so she looked headless. When I put treats in the run she went for them but appeared to trip. She seemed to trip again later. I just looked out and she is under the house and doesn't appear to want to go in. I am wondering if I should put her in the house (I am worried that she is staying out cos she's ill and the others might pick on her although I have seen on signs of that yet) or what to do. I don't want her to suffer.

 

Any advice welcome. I was philosophical when my Bluebelle died but for some reason this one is making me really sad as she is such a charismatic chicken and once escaped and went on the run and came back 24 hours later to lay an egg.

[good_egg]

I don't know enough I'm afraid. But just wanted to send you hugs and sympathy and best wishes for your girl.

[Lorax]

Aw. That's so kind. Thank you.

[Purplemaniacs]

If you have suitable accomodation you could bring her inside for the night so that you can keep an eye on her. If not I think I would pop her in with the others. If she has anything infectious she has been with the others so they may have already caught it.

 

It may be her age as some hybids don't live very long.

 

I have had my oldest girl in the utility for a couple of weeks she is now back with the other hyrbirds, she lived in a large dog crate and seemed very happy, not that she was spoilt while she was inside .

 

Chrissie

[Lorax]

That's a good and sensible idea thank you.

[Lorax]

Well she died this morning. We lifted her into the nesting box last night (I did wonder if she was out because she wanted to be on her own to die, as some animals do) and lifted her out again this morning and put her near the feeder/drinker and she fell over and died.

 

I felt so sad and had a little cry and the children said goodbye to her. She was our most charismatic chicken so tame and so cheeky. I think you never forget your first flock do you?

[good_egg]

So sorry to hear this. Sounds like she had a lovely life though. Hugs

[Lorax]

Thanks good egg.

[merlina]

That's very sad, but hopefully you can take comfort that she had a happy life and died at home without suffering and surrounded by people who loved her.

I think that however many animals of any kind you have over the years there are always some who are extra special who we never forget

[Purplemaniacs]

So sorry to hear that.

 

She was lucky to have such a lovely caring owner.

 

Chrissie

[WitchHazel]

So sorry to hear about your Girl. <> to you,

 

It sounds as though she had a really great life with you, and it's good that she went without suffering a long and protracted illness.

 

I know it still hurts though.