sparkysmum Posted May 9, 2020 Share Posted May 9, 2020 Well for the first time in 12 years I have no hens. My last 2 passed away yesterday. Wee ex commercial hens. Both had abdominal masses and I'd probably kept them for longer than I should have because I didn't want to let them go. Not sure what to do now. I think I'll possibly reclaim the garden for a while and decide later what to do about hens. Ideally Id like to move to a more rural location with a wee bit of land and an outbuilding so the chooks have somewhere warm and dry in the winter. But that wont be soon. Here's a couple of photos of some of my faves over the years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Awe that's sad to read. Beautiful photos. I had a holiday from chooks after last one went (fox) and then decided not to have any more. Garden recovering slowly. Nice to see the garden path and it's not covered with soil from their digging in the borders though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 I know of a few people who have had chickens for a while and decided not to get more. They do make a mess, can be noisy, are a constant worry, take a lot of time and can be difficult when they get older or get sick. For us there is little point in living in the countryside and not having some livestock, the place would just feel empty. For a gardener chicken poo compost produces great crops and the eggs are a bonus. I'd miss them too much I think; they are all 'little people' after all. Take a break Sparkysmum, but don't sell your equipment yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Sorry to hear about your last two girls. The pictures are lovely, especially the second one - pretty ladies! Have a break and see how you feel in a few months time. As Beantree says, don't let your set up go just yet though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Sorry to hear it I kind of had a few years off chickens as I lived away from home for 8 years, 5 of those abroad, so didn't get to visit shows as much as I used to. I still had quail and falconry birds in that time, I'd love to get another but don't have the time. Can't see myself ever bin chickenless though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Those are lovely pictures! I have been without my birds for 7 years now, and although I do miss them, I wouldn't have been able to live the life I have had if I still had them, because I travel too much/for too long (at least I did before March!) and it would be hard for me to find somebody to look after them. I have to admit I also like the freedom it brings, I just don't have to worry or plan like I used to. Like everybody says, take a break but don't get rid of your kit yet (I still have mine!), you have all the time in the world to make a final decision. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted May 10, 2020 Author Share Posted May 10, 2020 Awww thank you all. I'm so touched by your replies. Its so odd going into the garden and not having my trainers pecked or indeed opening the back door and having to shoo them off the door mat before I could step outside.However I think you are all right. I am going to take some time out but I absolutely wont part with the cube or eglu. In fact I may well move the guinea pigs into the cube run and gain a green house. I haven't been here for ages. Its so lovely seeing old friends from years ago 🥰🥰 Interesting also hearing from folks who no longer have chooks but are still Omleteers I always enjoyed hanging out on the forum, think I might find the time to hang out a bit more. Axx 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...