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.
oh, heldi, glad you had some laughs with her..have a cyber hug :-\
What a beautiful girl, Heldi, no wonder you miss her.
thanks manics and tinshed. Bett always looked fab. Her feathers had the colours of petrol-blues and greens- when she was in the sun.
I'm soooooooo sorry, got a lump in my throat here! feel for you XX Rosie
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.
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?
sorry for your loss Heldi :( xx
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
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.
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.
:'(
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?!
:-\
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Heldi - sorry to hear of your loss, sounds like Betty was a real character ;) and a total beauty she was too ;D
x