Gonna lose my oldest girl

[Shellintons]

What a fantastic life that Ellie has had with you guys and what an innings! I hope she has a peaceful end to a long and happy life which was probably made all the sweeter for her living with 'The Brambles'.

[SuzyB]

What a great innings she's had, a lovely story and a dignified ending for her. It does make me chuckle that the ex batts, who you'd imagine to be meek and mild after a horrendous start to life, more often than not seem to become the boss of the coop, with the toughest character. Bless them all!

[MrsC]

What a lovely story Hugs ((()))

[Bramble-Poultry]

well just to prove us all wrong, she is still with us, eating corn and taking some fluids, but still very lethargic.

she doesnt seem in pain and still has an interest in life, but she huddles every now and again and doesnt join in with the other birds anymore. The trouble i have is that the longer she goes on now, the more i wonder if i could anything to help? But she is still not in pain so best to let her shuffle around. as long as she can feed, drink and interact and in no pain i will leave her be. As soon as we feel she is in pain, then that will be the time to consider euhanasia.......

[Polly Fouracre]

It never gets any easier does it? You will know when it's time, but it's extraordinary how, just when you've made your mind up to let them go they perk up again!
I have to take my oldest old dog to the vet. on Thursday and am not looking forward to that one bit!!

[HayleyB]

Amazing an ex-batt getting to that age, wow, she can still pull through if she is willing to eat though - you are so doing the right thing by her. I always give them a chance and that way a couple of ours have come right even though we'd given them only hours to live they were so bad. Good luck and hugs to you both.

[mr darcy]

i think that's amazing! eight years old! what a game old bird!!! what's an average age for a hen and does race make any difference?

[Nicos]

My farrier had a chook aged 12!

Looks like this one made it to14!...

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive...6E9C946097D6CF

[Bramble-Poultry]

well - and i am prepared to be proven wrong - i think tonights the final night for her. she just had that "look" about her . the kind taht suggests that she has made her peace woth the world and ready to move along now. sleep tight Ellie.

[HayleyB]

I think as an ex batt the world owed her that peace and she deserved it, goodnight Ellie, sleep tight *wipes away tears

[Nicos]

Aww...bless her.
xx

At least she'll be having happy dreams as she goes to sleep...not of the awful times before you recued her!

...well done at giving her the ability to be a normal chook.
xx

[Bramble-Poultry]

She's gone. Been out this morning had a peck of food and a drink and went back up the ramp into her nest box. Checked her lunchtime and she had faded. Bless you Ellie.

[Suechooks]

Sweet dreams Ellie - lotsa corn and worms in Chooky heaven.xxxx

[HayleyB]

at least she went gently

[weekendwellies]

I just caught up with this thread and am now sobbing uncontrollably. I haven't kept chickens yet, but have had pets, so I know the loss you are feeling know.
Well done for giving her such a wonderful home and a great life. She was so lucky to have found you.