If you think you've already read this over at John's; well it's just that occasionally subjects unite.
Anyone who keeps animals must be prepared for losses, and yesterday morning one happened.
Anyone who keeps animals must be prepared for losses, and yesterday morning one happened.
Edwina (named, of course, after the UK's Edwina Currie) had been unwell for about two weeks. Her beautiful red comb had turned purple, and her breathing had become laboured. She was suffering from heart failure; a common ailment amongst hens.
We decided not to end her life ourselves, but to leave it to nature, as we could see no sign of her actually suffering.
Richard and Richard, our two remaining hens, have definitely been the 'layers' of the trio, so our egg crop will not be affected. However, Edwina was certainly 'Top Hen', and ruled harshly over her all female roost.
So, the Sandalwood awaits, and this morning she will be given a good send-off.
Goodbye old thing; we'll miss you.
12 comments:
Farewell, Edwina. I'm glad she had a peaceful end. I wonder which Richard will rule the roost now.
Fare thee well, Edwina.
Alas... Hens run on incredibly high blood pressures ....
Something invariably has to give....
I can't help wondering how one would measure the blood pressure of a hen, or who thought it was something one needed to know in the first place.
I'm glad she had a peaceful and natural end. So many animals seem to die horribly, by being torn apart by something bigger.
Not many creatures die beneath quilted bedspreads, with a crowd of weeping waist-coated cubs/ducklings/piglets around the miniature four-poster; as certain writers would have us believe.
These chickens are dropping like, er, flies.
Poor old girl. Will you be replacing her?
Sorry Edwina is gone. Do R&R seem to miss her? I had laying hens once upon a time and several over the years were killed by racoons -- Edwina went a much more peaceful way, bless her.
I think not; for the moment. We're planning a new, much bigger, run for them, so maybe later.
I suppose they must realise that they are now 2 instead of 3, but no outward signs of grieving.
Difficult to watch one of your beloveds pass on especially like this. My last dog had to be "put down" with assistance and it was one of the hardest thing I ever had to do. But owning animals ~~~ well ~~~ death ~~~~ is part of the territory.
Ron and Sophie Doodle
Rest in peace, Edwina!
Post a Comment