Betty

[Heldi]

Haven't been able to bring myself to mention this before now but I lost my favourite hen Betty.  She was my first hen, along with her two sisters Lilly and Blossom. As you'll know, I keep my hens as pets and weed operatives  :)

Betty always looked in fine health. Shiny feathers and bright red comb. Her sisters look a right pair of scruffs!

I would let Betty out on her own to keep me company,whilst the rest of the gang were sometimes confined to their outside pen...to give the newly planted veg a chance ;) She would sometimes ride in the wheelbarrow.

Betty became eggbound. Despite trying all the advice given, I couldn't save her.

Absolutely gutted. Miss her loads,thought I'd have her for years.

[Heldi]

[manicscousers]

oh, heldi, glad you had some laughs with her..have a cyber hug  :-\

[Tin Shed]

What a beautiful girl, Heldi, no wonder you miss her.

[Heldi]

thanks manics and tinshed.  Bett always looked fab. Her feathers had the colours of petrol-blues and greens- when she was in the sun.

[Biscombe]

I'm soooooooo sorry, got a lump in my throat here! feel for you  XX  Rosie

[Heldi]

Thanks Rosie :)  My eyes keep welling up every time I see that picture...daft init!I guess that's why I hadn't mentioned it earlier...she died last week.

[northener]

Sorry to hear that Heldi. Lost couple of mine through been eggbound its sad to see them suffering is'nt it?What sort was she?

[greenscrump]

sorry for your loss Heldi  :( xx

[Georgie]

Awww Heldi, I'm sorry to hear about your loss.  She was certainly a fine looking chook and I'm sure in time the happy memories will serve you well.

G x 

[Emagggie]

R.I.P. poor Betty. Sad you've lost your plot companion Heldi. I'm sure she'll be keeping her beady eye on your crops from above. ;) It's nice to have been loved.

[Heldi]

Aw thanks guys.  Means lots to have sympathy. Makes me feel normal lol!

She was a Bovan Nera. A hybrid bird bred for big eggs. Rhode Island Red crossed with a Barred Plymouth Rock  How guilty does that make me feel...loads. I didn't buy her for eggs...I got her from a local man and was ignorant of her breed. I just wanted a few hens to help with my weeds!  Her sisters are fine but now obviously I'll be keeping a close eye on them. I can't help think of pedigree dogs who are so over bred they can't see or can't breathe properly. I wondered if this is what caused Betty her distress,being bred for a purpose...but then my OH says I think way too much and blame myself for everything...that it was just very bad luck.  I dunno.

[katynewbie]

 :'(

Poor Heldi, Poor Betty!

I am sooo sorry to hear about your gorgeous girl, it's a lovely pic...how about framing it and having it somewhere in the kitchen where she can still keep you company?!

:-\

[caroline7758]

I don't know anything about hens, Heidi, but I do know what it's like to lose a pet, so I'm sending lots of hugs to you.xxx

[wildthing]

She looks exactly like my  Blax [also Bovan's Nera. ] I have had the odd eggbound one, through their habit of laying double and triple yolkers but so far managed to cope with sugar tongs and olive oil.
I lost Gnasty Gnorc during the week, so I know just how you feel. I'd had her about 5 years.

[Paulines7]

I am sorry to hear about Betty, Heldi.   >:(   It's always sad when we lose a friend like that but it seems she had a very happy life being given preferential treatment in the veggie bed.   :D   Thinking of you.

[northener]

Heldi we give ours corn soaked in cod liveroil every couple of weeks keeps em lubed.Don't blame yourself they can't live forever.

[Heldi]

Thanks everyone.

We give ours cod liver oil too...usually with rice or mashed potato. I always swear by it, think I've been very unlucky with Betty. Her two sisters have not had a problem.  Think I was just thinking way too much into it in an earlier post.

[kitten]

Heldi - sorry to hear of your loss, sounds like Betty was a real character  ;) and a total beauty she was too  ;D

x