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sunflower
14-08-2008, 10:15 PM
Just to share with you. Suki, one of my hens died this evening. She started to look poorly around 12 noon. I managed to get an extra two hours off before going to work and made her comfortable. I double checked for signs of egg bound with the appropriate treatment and also carfeully examined her skin and feathers. She honestly looked like a prize chicken, not even a hint of infection, disease or illness......just sooo very sleepy. I separated her from the flock and made a nest for her in a wicker basket and hand fed her water with lifeguard which she took. I cuddled her and kissed her neck, then she went back to sleep in the basket. No sign of pain or discomfort. In evening at work, Hubby phoned to tell me she had passed away. Also that the other hens were very agitated and look everywhere for her. So he bought them a load of grapes to comfort them while he dealt with Suki. She was such a lovely quiet heavy bird....not fat but heavy twice her weight since we rescued her. The last few months, she loved to sit on a branch with May and Annie like three wise monkeys watching Alice and Lucy. She will be greatly missed, not only by us but the rest of our flock because they have grown so close and love one another. We do'nt have a bottom hen only 4 equals and one mother hen, but now three equals with one mother hen. God Bless Suki, I loved you lots and celebrate your precious life. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

franbee
14-08-2008, 10:45 PM
That's so sad, sunflower, I'm really sorry, your little flock will also miss her very much.

Oola
14-08-2008, 11:07 PM
Oh I'm so sorry to read this sunflower :( I know how it is, Pattie left us a week ago and it's still very fresh in my mind. Because chickens are 'prey' they're so very good at hiding their symptoms, and sometimes they just decide it's their time and off they go, no worries, no hesitation. It was probably something very quick and acute, sometimes there's just no time to catch it.

But I'm sure you know that she's had *such* a good life with you, hold onto that and remember that she knew freedom, comfort, chickeny joy and being part of a healthy, social group.

Don't worry about the others, they'll settle down again. Hope you are OK, just be proud that you gave her freedom and affection that she wasn't originally destined to have x

sunflower
14-08-2008, 11:38 PM
Hi Oola, thank you for your kind words. I'm sooo sorry but I had no idea that Pattie had passed away. I have'nt been on here lately. So sorry for your loss too. They are such precious creatures and capture our hearts. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oola
14-08-2008, 11:57 PM
I'm ok, she had a lovely day sunbathing and pottering about before she went, and she was a very happy bird so I did all I could for her. And I'm sure it's the same with you and Suki :)