When I went to the coop this morning I could tell she had worsened through the night, she could barely move and once checked over by the vet he discovered that she had lumps inside her and problems with her digestive track, very common with ex battery hens. We're comforted by the fact that she enjoyed 8 months of freedom with her two playmates Betty and Beryl, and that at least now she'll not be in pain and suffering anymore.
When Ethel first came to stay she was shy, scrawny and featherless, but she soon came out of her shell. Ethel enjoyed pottering around the garden, scraping about in the vegetable patch, sunbathing in the summer, and enjoying her new found freedom. With the sun on her back, wind in her tail and banana in her belly her feathers soon grew back and she was happy to finally be rescued.
happier times |
My Aunt and Uncle sent these Christmas decorations from America, one for each of the girls. |
Ethel by Maayan aged 4 and a half |
Goodbye wee bird xxx
Thank you to Mike the Chicken vet who was very kind this morning.
If you're interested in rescuing ex battery hens and you live in Northern Ireland contact Barbara at Nut House Hen Rescue
Aw. Sad news. RIP Ethel. You inspire me to rescue chickens, but alas, we haven't got enough room. Someday though.
ReplyDeleteCathy and Jack. x
ohh what sad news, poor Ethel. :(
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda! Well, you made her life happy up to the end...we have been suffering from chicken hawks here in Texas and lost two of our girls that way...We only have 10 left now and nobody is laying...eggopause...sigh and store-bought eggs...
ReplyDeleteWanting to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!
XOX
Crystal
Sorry to hear your news, RIP Ethel.
ReplyDeleteSending you lots of love and luck in 2013. x
I'm sorry to hear that Linda. As you say, you gave her a wonderful 8 months and her battery days would have been well forgotten.
ReplyDeleteHope you rescue more hens and give them the same chance that Ethel had.
This is sad news :( I will definitely rescue some hens and give them a happier life... Just as soon as me move to a house with a garden. Can't wait for that day!
ReplyDeleteHope the other girls are holding up ok x
Aww what sad news, but so lovely to think of how much better Ethel's life was since you took her in.
ReplyDeleteKaz x
Thanks for all the kind comments about wee Ethel, xx We're going to get rescue another chicken, three is the magic number!
ReplyDelete