jimnpaula Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Crystal, our second in command, died overnight. She was about 4 and a half. She hadn't laid an egg in years and by summer 2014 had developed a large water bottom that affected her breathing. We expected to lose her then but she survived the summer with treatment and just kept carrying on, and I was happy to let her whilst she was still eating. The breathing worsened a couple of months ago and she was put on more antibiotics and water tablets that seemed to help. Crystal's friend Skye, the top chook, has obviously realised that Crystal was getting worse and had taken up the "enforcing" role of maintaining pecking order, but was still gracious enough to sit with her and allow her the same bedtime position in the cube. Crystal has been having nights indoors as she didn't seem to be managing the colder weather having got very thin. Yesterday was so breezy and she didn't look happy in the afternoon so I brought her indoors and she sat with us in the living room before we put her to bed in the rabbit cage. I was going to make her some pellet mash this morning to see if she wanted it - but she didn't need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 So sorry. RIP Crystal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 oh Paula, I's so very sorry, she was a lucky girl to have had you....sleep tight little one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 RIP Little one. X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Sorry to read this. Four and a half is a fab life although too short for us in seeing them go. Don't know if she was a hybrid or pure breed but have lost a fair few at around two and a half.... (hybrids mostly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share Posted March 30, 2015 I'm not sure if she was a hybrid or pure breed Light Sussex coloured bird but she was a big solid girl until she got really thin over the last few months. We really like the Sussex birds and will get another white one, and try to get a speckled too but haven't got room for any more yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 No matter if pure breed or not. She was a much loved and looked after pet and as I say four and a half years was amazing. I have a bluebelle from my first ever 6 chooks, still going strong at 3 and a half and proud of her. No idea if she lays or not and don't care, love to see her pottering. The sussex (hybrid) I have found to be very hardy, only lost one in two and a half yrs so far.....not sure if one I lost was from original 6 or next lot 8 months later?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Poor Crystal. She put up a good fight. But mealworms on tap won - she'll be happy in the sky flapping across the clouds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill2b Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 So sad reading these Stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Sweet dreams Crystal xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
