[sabrina]

Took Jaks one of our cats to the vets this afternoon as she had an eye infection. I started chatting to a lady who was sitting next to me in the waiting area. In her cat basket she had a chicken. one of 8 rescue hens she took on last year. This poor hen had become badly egg bound and the vet had given her major surgery taking away all egg making parts. A bit like a woman having her womb removed. The hen looked fine and was back to have her stitches removed. I hate to think what this must have cost but she was a much loved bird and thought to myself we all go to such lenghts to save our animals so why should a pet chicken be any different. she loved her birds just as I do and we had a laugh on how we chat to them and enjoy their little ways. 

[jameslindsay]

Just goes to show you there are still decent folk out there. So far this year my vets bill has been just over £700 for the goats and 1 of the dogs.

[Roxy]

Wasn't that kind of the lady, to do that?  To her, that hen would be as dear as the family cat or dog.  It obviouisly did not matter that the hen would not lay again, nor that it would cost a fortune at the vets.

Through my work as a  co ordinator for the hen rescue, I come across many similar tales.  When one of their girls die, or the fox gets it, they are absolutely devasted.  When you only have a handful of hens in your garden, they do become special. 

But well done to this lady, and all the others for caring!!