[Oneeyedhen]

Our Speckled Sussex, stirling show 1st prize winning, hen died this week    . She was only 2 so i dont know what came over her. We had big plans for her at the Small holders festival too!!

[chrismahon]

Sorry to hear that Oneeyedhen. Probably a heart attack (purple comb signifies I am told). We've had two 2 year old top breedingstock cocks die without any prior warning in the last few weeks. Sometimes it just happens. But upsetting nevertheless.

[Oneeyedhen]

Thanks chrismahon, she actually went gradually down hill. I thought she was spending a lot of time in her house then one day she was just sitting outside. We put her in a pen by herself and gave her some tlc but she died a couple of days later. Luckily my kids are farm kids and very matter of fact about it. She was our most friendly and pet-like hen and the first chick we ever hatched. I'll miss having her about.

[Kytkat]

Hate to hear about 'friends' passing away. I had the same trauma last wk when my Light Sussex Cockerel Bhoona passed away (had to be dispatched) he hadn't been well for a wk or so. Really upsetting as he was a real friendly bird. On the upside to keep my girls happy Kevin has come to stay, he's not the best looking guy, he's a plymouth bar cross RIR, first cross offspring on the way to a Black Rock,  he's purely a pet and to keep the girls in check. Didn't think I'd ever get another so friendly but this guy is just perfect, already he thinks its ok to come in the house! he really taken a shine to my son and follows him around the garden, soo funny to see

[Oneeyedhen]

Kevin, what a fab name. He sounds ideal. Our cockeral is called Brian, my son named him. I dont let the kids in with him though, he can be a bit aggressive 

[Victorian Farmer]

ITS FARMING not good i run alot off breeds and when this happens its a bad knock, did you breed young this spring from the hen.You will never no whots wrong with them because i still don't i  give apple cider tylin all sorts and still loose the odd 1 or 2 and say its only farming .

[Oneeyedhen]

Your so right victorian farmer, it's the way it goes in farming. I've had plenty of knocks with my cattle so loosing a hen is not nearly so bad. I tried chickie in with the cockeral this summer to hopefully get a chick or two from her but she never laid any  . I hind sight I dont think she laid many in her life at all.

[heidih]

I got a very friendly hen named "nugget" she loves snuggles and kisses .she was poorly so i nursed her and now we good pals..i worry about losing her as she so sweet.xx