Burtie14 Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Have just come back from the vets where our last two hens, Jim and Betty, have been put to sleep. Poor Betty hadn't been herself for a few days since laying a softie - turns out she had egg peritonitis and would only have gone downhill. She was such an energetic, demanding, naughty girl with so much personality, that to see her hunched and quiet was awful, but in a way made things easier because it was obvious she knew it was time to go. Jemima (Jim) was more difficult. She's had a pendulous crop for months, but about 6 weeks ago started doing a horrible twitching spasm with her neck, and not emptying her crop overnight. We nearly lost her, but went through a long course of treatment of making her sick every morning and poking a tube down her throat to treat the infection. It seemed to work, but then this morning she started spasming all over again, more than before. It didn't seem fair to (a) put her through it all again and (b) try and keep her going when she'd be all alone without Betty anyway. I'm sure we could have kept her alive for a while longer but couldn't face the prospect of her being ill and lonely at the same time. We'd been planning on getting new hens to keep them company before this happened, but sadly they beat us to it. Now I really don't know if I can face going through it all again. I'm sure in a bit of time I'll post a fitting tribute to both of them on the memorial page. They were really brilliant chickens with loads of character, and it feels very strange and sad to look into the garden and not see them peering back at me. Who'd have thought it possible to feel this broken-hearted about a couple of hens?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickanne Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Sorry to hear about Jim and Betty. I think it was right to spare either hen more treatment - I suspect a tube down the throat was not easy for either of you. Give yourself a little time to get over this and then I am sure you will find you want to fill the gap they leave in your life. Let us know how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 You have done the right think, I f only we could make those brave decisions for our nearest and dearest when the time come:(( RIP lovely ladies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickchock Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Oh, I'm so sorry. So sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burtie14 Posted June 21, 2013 Author Share Posted June 21, 2013 Thanks chaps. It's really sad, but we knew what we were signing up for and they brought us a lot of joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Sometimes putting a sick pet to sleep is the last kindness you can do for them. RIP Jim and Betty. Ax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
