Poorly chicken

[Henhathnofury]

Hello there lovely chicken folk

 

I haven't been on the Omlet forum for quite some time, as life has been exceptionally challenging. Throughout it all, my chickens gave me so much comfort. However, I wanted to wind down because of cancer treatment, my daughter's quite serious problems and a very unpleasant break-up with partner after 20 years. I had one chicken left eventually and then a local woman, who also had one chicken, asked me to take her girl. I did so but my own old girl (she was 6 and over) then died, leaving me with one chook, which is never ideal. However, I have now received an offer on my house (sale forced by ex) and now I must uproot with my little chook and daughter and I will have to rent, so I am more than a little worried about how this works.

 

I have had a truly shocking five years and I would like to ease things somewhat by finding somewhere lovely to live - a farm cottage or something similar that is cosy, comfortable and close to nature. However, I do need it to also be very near public transport, as I have to regularly go up to Guy's Hospital, I cannot get any more chickens until I am well and truly settled. I have an Eglu and even an aviary I could dismantle - but I am wondering what next to do. I anticipate the house sale, once started, would take around eight weeks. Am I being unrealistic about a rural setting that is also convenient for links? I have had this set-up with both of my previous houses - it has been walkable or a bus route to a train station. I want to keep my chook and get her some friends, to be happy ultimately - which I haven't been for five years and it is getting very wearing, as well as taking a toll on my health. I am in Berkshire, but I am also thinking of Bucks or Oxfordshire. I have looked at the Farley Estate but that is all let at the mo. Has anyone any advice for me? I am seriously exhausted and discombobulated at the mo.

[Grandmashazzie]

Love you're name. So sorry to hear of all that's been going on for you at the moment.Anyone on their own would be enough. Have you got in touch with local estate agents and asked them to find what you are looking for? Rather than on your own. Another one might be house sitting, my daughters friends mum did this.Although that might me too much upheaval if it's short. Good luck with your sale. Time is very dependant on position of buyer,ie might have their house to sale etc or if cash can be quick. Good luck with your search.

[merlina]

Have you got a good lawyer?

It sounds like someone should at least be arguing for a stay of x many years on the sale...

[Henhathnofury]

Thank you so much for responding. Like a dizzy chicken, I don't know which way my derriere is facing.

 

I think I will visit some areas and try and look at this calmly. My daughter's depression and anxiety has now kicked in big time. It's so lovely to see her cuddling Mabel, our chicken - we all know they they are the best kind of pets of all kinds of reasons.

 

I wake up thinking 'Onwards and Upwards!' but often the air gets let of my tyres!

[Daphne]

Gosh, I am sorry to hear everything you've been through, and are still going through It must be tough, but you sound tough, and I'm not surprised you now need something nice to happen in your life. I would think 8 weeks is quite realistic, but its not uncommon for it to be 3 months plus depending on whether or not there is a chain/mortgage/other complication. I would also ask rental/estate agents what your options are, they will know the market and opportunities best. I know Bucks/Berks/Oxon is very expensive, so if you are struggling to find what you are looking for, and if you can, then perhaps look further afield to more rural counties, where there is less pressure on land. I was thinking possibly Northants, or more radically, somewhere like Kent or east East Sussex where I know you can rent cottages with chicken friendly land attached and the train links to London are still good. As far as transport is concerned, don't rule out a taxi to a station if you don't drive. I know its not the cheapest option, but if it gives you more options, then don't rule it out - rural buses are few and far between. Of course, you must have lots of competing pressures, but I do hope you find something to suit you

[Henhathnofury]

Merlina - I have stayed in the house for quite a while but my daughter is now 19 and although a very young 19 with many many problems, my ex legally has no obligations in that department. He wants to get rid of the house and is increasingly frustrated, because he can no longer really afford to pay the mortgage. I do understand his frustrations and I know that this situation cannot continue indefinitely, I just feel unsettled of course and perhaps need to 'man up' a little. I have lymphoma though, which is quite debilitating. If I was in normal health I would be up like a whippet and moving onwards.

 

So I know all my rights and I can argue a good case - but there is a limit to how long I can stay in this situation.

 

I will keep thinking about farm cottages - it's a nice thought. wellies, a cockerel in the distance and birdsong. (I nearly wrote willies then!)

[Henhathnofury]

I love East Sussex and Sussex in general. One complication is that I have family in Wales and because of my escalating health issues, they want me to be closer. Ideally, they would love me to live in Bristol but I am not sure of this quite drastic move. Somewhere halfway between Reading and Bristol would be ideal. Hilariously, there is apparently a village called Halfway which is exactly that!

[Grandmashazzie]

Another thought,if you were a bit closer to family is there a good hospital that could manage you under guidance from Guys, then you wouldn't have to travel there so much. That in itself would be tiring. My yd has liver disease and when here was managed locally and went to Birmingham every 6 months. Consultant here liaised closely with B'ham doc.Although I did much rather see the boss.

[mullethunter]

Hi Henhathnofury (another fan of you excellent name here ).

 

I can tell you're battling all of this with all your might and are determined not to let it get you down - good on you. There are so many people who winge and moan about the slightest thing (I'm not getting at anyone on the forum here) and you seem to be the opposite

 

Anyway - all I wanted to say was, I'm sure you'll find somewhere to rent where you can have chook(s). It's just a matter of finding the right landlord really. I was in rented when I first got my 4 bantams, in a suburban house with a tiny garden. The landlady just asked that we re-turfed / seeded the lawn when we left.

 

Good luck with everything.

[Henhathnofury]

Grandmashazzle - so sorry to hear about your daughter - it takes so much time out of a life, doesn't it? I am glad that she received good treatment. Yes, my oncology nurse (who is the most beautiful soul) has talked about another specialist in Bristol but my condition is so very rare that there is one major specialist who is based at Guy's and as a teaching hospital, it really it is the very best for new and cutting edge treatments. Being poorly and exhausted most of the time, I really don't like change now and I would also miss my nurse.

 

Mullethunter - that's the kind of info I come specifically to the forum for - I had not thought about the lawn but to a landlord unaccustomed to chickens, it might be wise to offer to do that to sway the let. Although Mabel is a 'mess up the path' kind of a girl she only digs up the moss in the lawn not the actual lawn - which is actually awfully useful! I do try and be cheerful and positive but there have been times - well, when I have looked at high speed trains and considered it, really. But I have a daughter and a chicken to look after! I take though responsibilities very seriously. Thank you for the advice - it is all going into my tiny chemo-knackered brain. I am on a long-term drug called Interferon which is now causing some problems with fogginess and confusion at times. A lot of fun!