Jennifer Jane Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 (edited) Earlier this year OH & I decided that we wouldn't get any more hens when the current batch was gone - we will be trying to sell our house when we retire in a few years and so want to start getting the garden back in order. We love the hens though and having them in retirement is mandatory. We did consider what to do when we got to the last hen, but at the time we had 4 girls so that seemed a long way off. Then Copper died suddenly when we were on holiday in March and our last ex-batt Flo, who had been going slowly downhill, succumbed in April. We still had Buddy and Pepper left and they seemed full of beans. However Buddy died suddenly last week - she had been fine and dandy the day before, but a couple of hours before she died we noticed she was off her food, so it was very quick for her. That left us with Pepper. OH said that it was best to try to rehome her - I had romantic notions of her being happy as an only hen. But she didn't seem to like being on her own in the run and crowed loudly to be let out. She was fine when free-ranging, but because of fox risk we could only let her out of the run when we were home. So reluctantly I put out tentative feelers to a friend of a friend who keeps hens and he said that he would welcome her and to bring her round on Saturday So soon! When it came to take her, it was obvious she knew something was up. Instead of stooping for us to pick her up, she hid in the shrubs and even mealworms couldn't tempt her out. But we eventually got her to her new home - which is lovely . She has a nice covered run with lots of things to interest her and a very luxurious apartment with key coded entry! When her new owner is home (which he is more than we are) there is a wooded area to free range in. And best of all there is chook cam. Even so, I was devastated to leave her, and worried that she would not get on with her four new friends. But Pepper's new owner loves his girls, and understands how I feel - he sends me regular updates on FB and has sent pics of her feeding with the flock, free-ranging in the garden and cctv images of her cuddled up with the rest of the girls. I even have visitation rights! I'm sure we have done the right thing by Pepper in rehoming her. She seems to have settled in so quickly and it is clear that she is not missing me at all. I on the other hand keep looking down the garden and seeing and hearing imaginary hens. I can't wait until we retire and get some more. It has been the most wonderful, rewarding experience. Edited July 9, 2014 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Bittersweet story. You've done the right thing and sounds like Pepper has a fabulous new home with plenty of new chicken pals. I know how you feel, though, I would sorely miss the sound of clucking hens if mine were gone. Hang on to the thought of a new flock in the future. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 That sounds like chicken heaven - it must have been hard to part with her but at least you know she's having a happy time. I thought this was going to be a thread about having a hen PTS so I'm delighted to read about her new home! I was talking to a friend at the weekend and saying that I can't imagine my garden without chickens now as they really bring it to life. Yes, I curse when they scratch up newly planted stuff or get into the veg garden by accident, and I grouse about dark winter mornings and frozen drinkers but I wouldn't be without them. When you retire, at least you'll be able to benefit from everything you've learned and plan the ultimate chicken run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Sounds like Pepper has well and truly landed on her feet - well done you for doing what's right for her!!! Bet she's already on top of the key coded entry to her apartment!!!! Be happy little Pepper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Sounds perfect - I'm thinking about moving in! Sure she'll be happy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Jane Posted July 9, 2014 Author Share Posted July 9, 2014 I went to visit Pepper last night - well I had a couple of things to take round She is doing so well and has settled in really quickly. There's no pecking going on and she is laying enormous eggs (as usual). Her new owner threw some corn down (she loves corn) and, instead of diving straight in, she came to see me. I think she remembers me... either that or she was waiting for her own ration I'm very happy that she seems so content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 That's really lovely, though I bet in some ways heartbreaking for you. I would find giving away hard enough - don't think I could visit and then leave again. Good for you for being so strong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Very sweet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 What a lovely story, although it must be hard for you, you must be so happy she has such a lovely new home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
