Heather has died. I let them out on to the grass this afternoon and I fear she's ate something bad. She went a bit limp when I put her back in the coop and her wings went droopy and she seemed lethargic.. I'm about to ball my eyes out.. I need to get her out of the coop for the other one. I don't know where to put her.. I've got 3 cats I think will dig her up. I can't just put her in the bin. What do I do? The vet is closed. I'm sh*tting them about Cruella now.
Oh Linz, bless you. xx Sorry but I can't help but no doubt one of the chuck folk will come along soon to help you. xx
No matter the animal, these things are never anything short of devastating - sorry you are having to go through it. I am not a chook person, but I would suggest putting her in a bin bag, remove all the air and tie it off, then put that bag into another again removing all the air and tying it off. Then, until such times as you can come up with a suitable way of disposing of her, I would suggest putting her in a bucket or pot and then place a heavy slab or stones on top to stop anything getting in to her. If you bury her, bury her as deep as you can - cats are not your problem, foxes are. Alternatively, what about cremating her and using the ashes on the garden? That way she will be promoting growth and flowers for awhile to come?
Thank you for the suggestions FC. I think I might cremate her. I've wrapped her in a towel and put her in the shed. I can't stop sobbing. I feel so guilty letting her out and knowing I've planted something that's killed her. Last pic of her taken this afternoon. Was so chuffed she was out on the grass, cruella was too skittish and stayed on the patio. First time proper free ranging and I kill her. Hate myself right now.
Sorry to hear of your loss Linz, these things can just happen, if you do bury Heather made sure it's as deep as you can (min 2feet) and if you have some lime but that around Heather which will make it better so that a fox won't dig she up
It might well not be anything you have planted @Linz - it has been a hot day, and she might have had an underlying problem that you were not aware of. Don't beat yourself up
It's hard not too. I've had a wee look at what she might have ate, it's either tulip/daf leaves or the hydrangea that are poisonous to them. Seriously wish I hadn't let them out. I knew something was wrong when I went to give treats she just didn't bother and was kind of gasping. Was thinking gapeworm but to die so suddenly.. maybe it was heat? Ah feel shite. It's the lil mans 4th birthday tomorrow to top it off and he's pretty upset too. Feel so bad.
Sorry to here this Linz, the only pet ive ever had was a budgie, we had him 16 yrs I was heart broken, I wrapped him in paper and buried him deep. xx
Bury her, give her a funeral and plant something on her grave. You will feel better. I had free range chickens for years roaming all over my garden. There was only one plant that I ever found to be poisonous to chickens. I can't remember the name right now. I'll think about it and hopefully remember tomorrow.
Aw, sounds like he had a good life though at 16. I've had a few pets that I've had to bury.. but this is cutting me deep, feel like ripping my plants up and putting grass seed down. So pissed off with myself.
Hi Linz, sorry to hear about your loss. Just follow the advice from Redwing and give her a good send off.
@Linz please stop beating yourself up - in every likelihood you did nothing wrong, and it is just one of these things that are sent to try us. You also have to look at it the other way up - how happy was she when she was alive? I'd like to bet that she was a whole lot happier than your average battery hen for a starter for ten! The fact you called her Heather shows me how much you cared, and knowing that tells me that this will have been one pampered chicken, especially in comparison with the majority of its peers. Give yourself time to heal, and then slowly you will feel better. By all means, take a look at your garden and consider measures to keep your chooks away from anything that might be a danger, but don't go giving up on your garden or your chooks.
Linz, she would be unhappy to know you are sad and beating yourself up. These things happen in life, for what reason I don't know. When my late partner was told she had Cancer I said to her, why you, she said why not me and why worry about something you can't change.....
Thank you all, for your kind words. I have absolutely tortured myself over it. Can't see for tears. It could have been something underlying. I just don't know. I'm considering an autopsy ..for my own peace of mind. Feel awful Cruella is on her own. Really didn't think I'd be this upset or attached to them, I've only had them 7 months. God knows what I'd be like if the cats went.
Reading up Linz lots of plants are Toxic to hens, its not your fault don't beat yourself up, think positive and consider replacing her Plants And Foods That Are Poisonous For Chickens | Chicken Care | Chickens | Guide | Omlet UK Toxic Garden Plants There are many garden plants that are also toxic to your chickens. Your chickens will usually stay away from them by themselves as they don’t taste very nice to them. However it can be a good idea to make sure your chickens don’t have access to these plants. Below is a list of garden plants poisonous to your chickens. BloodrootBull NettleBrackenBryonyCarelessweedCastor BeanCockleburCurly DockDelphiniumFernFoxgloveGround IvyHemlockHorse ChestnutHorse RadishHyacinthHydrangeaIvyLaburnum (seed)LantanaLily of the ValleyNightshade (Also called Deadly Nightshade)RhododendronSt. Johns WortTulipWater HemlockYew
