Cate in NZ Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Many of you will know that I've been running down my flock (I had 9 gorgeous ladies at my peak) because of our impending move. For the past few months I've had 2 gorgeous girls only, Tilly and Zola after rehoming 5 of my chickens in early summer, and also after a devastating fox attack. Anyway yesterday Tilly died . She had been ill, we were on first name terms with our vet and I'm an expert on administering baytril to reluctant hens, but yesterday the decision was that her quality of life was deteriorating and that maybe enough was enough. I couldn't do it, but my hubby kindly took Tilly to the vet who administered an injection............ and Tilly was off to a better, kinder place. To qualify that she had, I hope, a fabulous life of freedom in my back garden, digging up my crops and making dustbaths in the most unlikely places, but she was an ex batt whom I rescued from Jane's farm in Devon May '06. Such a cheeky, lovely girl I miss her like crazy already, lots of tears have flowed, but I truly believe that we made the best decision for her. Here's one of my favourite pics of Tilly, only a few days after we brought her home. The other ex batts fought against the bath........... Tilly loved it My dilemma is that Zola, my absolute favourite chicken, so tame and happy, is now on her own, and she really is lonely, wandering around shouting plaintively and searching all their favourite hiding places. I have the option (I'm sure) of re-homing her at the petting farm where her pals are, but I can't for the life of me find their contact details, and to be honest they were quite keen on hens that were laying loads of eggs. Zola is probably 2 1/2 now, an Omlet Pepperpot whom we got in Sept 05, she is still laying, but probably only 1-2 a week, and that will only decline as she gets older. But she is such a lovely, lovely girl that I want to find her a fabulous home. Can anyone out there offer her a home? Wow, I hate asking this, my gut instinct screams to go and get myself another 2 and rebuild the flock, but maybe given our plans to move this really is the right time to close the chapter on chicken keeping for now, and start again next year down under Thanks for reading this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 I sorry to hear about Tilly. I wish I could help out with Zola, but I'm afraid I can't. I hope you find someone who will look after her for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Hi Kate I'm so sorry that you have lost Tilly. The only positive thing I can really say is that you gave her the best thing in the whole world - her freedom!! She looked like she was really ejoying that bath and I'm sure you will have lots of wonderful memories from the time that she was part of your family. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to be able to help you with Zola, but I'm sure someone will be along shortly who could give her a wonderful home. Good Luck & RIP Tilly x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 I'm so sorry to hear about Tilly She was a lucky hen to spend the end of her time with you. karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a sweetie, so sorry but she had a lovely time with you by the sound of it. I've had my ex-batts for 5 days now and I love them so much. I didn't give them a bath though. Do you mind me asking at this sensitive time, why give them a bath? (just in case I should have done this) Here's a pic my least featheriest, most pluckiest favourite little girl, Shalott Lots of virtual hugs your way xxxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 So sorry to hear about Tilly , sounds like she had a lovely life with you - think of the good times she had. Good luck with Zola, whatever you decide. I hope a kind omleteer can help you out......me being a Chelsea fan and Zola (the player) a Chelsea fc legend I wish her well !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 So sorry to hear your sad news - she looks so lovely in the bath, and I'm sure that she had a wonderful life with you. I wish I lived nearer to you so that I could look after Zola for you - I'm in Cheshire, so really too far away. But if you can't find a good home for her anywhere else, I'm sure we could manage it somehow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Sorry to hear about Tilly. She actually looks as if she is smiling in that lovely picture. I'm too far away to offer Zola a home, but I'm sure you will find one for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted October 18, 2007 Author Share Posted October 18, 2007 Thanks all for your kind words I didn't give them a bath though. Do you mind me asking at this sensitive time, why give them a bath? (just in case I should have done this) Poet, all the hens were covered in red mite and clumps of horrible lice, so I bathed them all in warm water and a little tea tree oil, it was a warm day so I was confident that they'd dry quickly and I preferred the idea of that to smothering their poor exposed skin to lots of louse powder........... although they got some of that too . They were also pretty smelly, so a bath freshened them up beautifully. Just me though I think, not strictly necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Oh Kate how very sad You must be feeling so upset - big hugs coming your way. Ex-battery girls are just so special, after going through so much and being treated so appallingly they still really give you all they have in love, entertainment and bringing smiles to your face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Kate, I am so sorry and sad for you. Tilly was a really special girl. I know you have given her the most wonderful life, but I am still sad that she has had to go. The timing is really miserable for you too. Lots of love to you all.xx I'm off to canvas opinions . . . you know I would give Zola a home if necessary. I would be honoured to look after her and she is the same age as my original 3. I only have one Pepperpot too, so another would be nice. But I need to consider how I could do this - and you might find somewhere better in the meantime. I'll be in touch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Ex-battery girls are just so special, after going through so much and being treated so appallingly they still really give you all they have in love, entertainment and bringing smiles to your face. well said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Oh Kate I'm so sorry to hear about Tilly. You must be feeling miserable And poor lonely Zola, wondering where her bestest bud has gone. A hard decision to make, but I'm sure someone will give her a lovely retirement home. (((Big Hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Thanks all for your kind words I didn't give them a bath though. Do you mind me asking at this sensitive time, why give them a bath? (just in case I should have done this) Poet, all the hens were covered in red mite and clumps of horrible lice, so I bathed them all in warm water and a little tea tree oil, it was a warm day so I was confident that they'd dry quickly and I preferred the idea of that to smothering their poor exposed skin to lots of louse powder........... although they got some of that too . They were also pretty smelly, so a bath freshened them up beautifully. Just me though I think, not strictly necessary. ahhhhhh, thanks. xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 18, 2007 Share Posted October 18, 2007 Sorry to hear about Tilly Kate What a lucky girl to have been given such a lovely home with you I wish we could help out with Zola, but we are a bit far away and also there's not much room at the Inn at the moment I hope you find a loving home for her Best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Afamily, I have PM'd you in case Ginette can't take her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
