R.I.P. little Heather

[pipscariad]

I've just come back from the plot, where I had gone to tend to DD's poorly little brown hen, but she died in my arms She seemed brighter yesterday as well, but when I went to let them out today she was very subdued. I'd gone down to try the warm water bath tip, which I'd done, but whilst I was gently towelling her dry she suddenly went into a kind of spasm, and died. Poor little thing, I think she was probably egg bound, but will never know for sure.

Now I have to break the news to my little girl when she gets off the school bus, she's been so worried about her. I'm trying to dry Heather out at the moment, so she doesn't look so bedraggled for the burial ceremony! And I'm supposed to be cleaning the house for the in-laws visit tomorrow and I've got nothing done through worrying about little hen. Hen keeping sure has it's highs and lows. Thanks for listening, there's no-one about here at the moment, and I feel sad and boggy

[jbalmer]

oh dear, i am sorry for your news. The same happened to me. The vet thought it was egg peritonitis. I found it easier to bury her straight away in the garden that she loved. You just have to be reassured that you gave her a really happy life where she was loved by all the family. x

[pipscariad]

I probably should have buried her straightaway, but I had one of those dithery moments when I wasn't sure what to do. Now I'm having second thoughts, maybe it will be less upsetting for DD if she just sees a grave rather than a dead hen....I wish OH wasn't out of signal (he's gone to Ramsey Island for a meeting, of all things!).

[Nicos]

Well- you could bury her and save a few pretty feathers for your daughter????

-she could always put a little note into the soil above the burial to send her love..

Be aware that you don't want a fox digging her up!

Very sorry to hear the news- Heather must have felt safe in your arms xx


I'm sure your in-laws will understand.

[bluemoon]

If it's your daughter's own hen then she might feel 'cheated' if you don't allow her to be there when she's buried, though only you can really say as some children would find it too distressing. I'm really sorry to hear this though, I know you've been worried.

[pdblake]

I'm dreading the day when one of ours goes. Youngest has taken to standing outside the run singing chick-chick-chick-chick-chicken at them lately. He'll be gutted.

Saying that, we've had and lost a few rabbits over the years. They do get upset but kids bounce back really quick.

[Flummery]

Being so upset at losing our animals is the price we pay for loving them. Still rather have them than not though.

[SarzWix]

(((((hugs))))) pipscariad
Why don't you find a nice box or something to put heather in, then your daughter can be part of the burial etc, without actually seeing the poor hen unless she wants to.

Commiserations to you both.

[Suechooks]

Sorry she didn't make it. It can go both ways if they're egg bound. I have one who's done it 3 times now and come through it but others havent. It's one of the hardest parts of chook keeping but as Flummery says I'd rather have them than not.
Do hope your daughter is ok about it.

[pipscariad]

Thanks for your replies, you've made me feel a lot better. Sarz, that was a great idea and I have done just that - a nice cardboard box, lined with lilac tissue (one of my daughters favourite colours), and then lots of clean wood shavings, so that little Heather looks as though she's having a nice peaceful sit on the nest box. I managed to speak to my sister, so it was good to chat and she also thought it was best to give Helena the option of seeing her hen or not - I strongly suspect that she will want to give Heather a cuddle!

As you say, children bounce back very quickly, and the next thing will no doubt be choosing another hen.... Thanks all x

Ten minutes until she gets home....

[Hans Mum]

sad to hear your news, hope your DD doesnt get too upset, as you say they bounce back quickly....

[sweetiepea]

So sorry about little Heather. I think you're doing the right thing though. Let your DD see her if she wishes, it can be help with the grieving process, but if she's not up to it, then that's OK too.

[di]

So sorry!!!
Hope your DD is OK...I totally agree with sweetiepea...give her the option of whether or not she feels that she needs to see her or not.
Big hugs to both you & DD!...can't sympathise with losing an already loved chook,but sure can with the highs & lows of chook keeping...getting several of them at the mo...but would never be without them!xx

[matthew2riches]

Dam! That's a shame.

I lost all of mine a few weeks ago and that was horrible, I know how you must be feeling :-(

[lizzylemon]

Sorry to hear about Heather. I hope your little'un was as well as can be expected in these circumstances.

I think Hendrix had a similar thing as she always suffered when laying eggs. Towards the end I was looking into stopping egg production in her as I knew it was not good but nature got there first.....perhaps Heathers life was short and sweet for a reason and she won't suffer any further distress.

On much happier note, huge congratulations on your rowing success - you must be immensely proud (or at least I hope you are). I said I'd sponsor you, would you PM me with payment details please.