Peace is ill
Posted by Fiona Nevile in Cottage tales | 29 comments
Photo: Hope and Peace
Peace, the softer one of our new pair of hens is ill.
I found her this morning, feathers ruffled and looking very seedy. Peace is very sweet natured and steady. I picked her up and put her inside my jacket. She cheeped plaintively as I stroked her and carried her up the garden into the warm kitchen.
She is now in the bathroom well away from the Min Pins, wrapped in a large towel. Her temporary home is a big cardboard box with food and water. She was asleep with her head under one wing just before I left for work.
Danny sent a few updates during the day. But when I returned home this evening Peace felt so cold that I filled a hottie just from the hot tap so that she wouldn’t overheat. I wrapped it in newspaper and popped it beneath her hoping that she would settle on a warm spot. She seemed to like this.
Bantams (miniature chickens) are delicate creatures. They don’t do well if they are exposed to cold and draughts. It has been below freezing for the past few nights. If she survives tonight she has a chance but things don’t look good for our gentle and beautiful creature.
Update: I just checked her and she has sadly died. I loved this little hen. She was special.
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So sorry to hear that Peace didn’t make it, Fiona. We lost one this week, too – an exquisitely pretty bantam cockerel that unfortunately got into a fight. His eye was damaged & developed a nasty infection; so I had no choice but to ‘do the decent thing’.
It’s the hard truth about farming: “where there’s livestock there’s dead stock” – & this inclement weather certainly doesn’t help….I’m still snowed in & with another snowfall this morning & more heavy snow forecast here for tomorrow, would be suprised if I’m able to get anywhere before next week. I only hope I don’t need a vet/doctor in the meantime – no chance.
Meanwhile with a bit of luck Hope has integrated comfortably with the rest of your flock – do let us know.
So sorry to hear this – but you are right, bantams are tricky. My children keep them and there have been frequent attempts like yours, with cardboard boxes and hotties, which sadly have all ended in tears and grief.
Oh what a sad day for you. It’s been a tough week for hens – with temperatures so low and snow everywhere. She certainly had the very best care you could give her.
Celia
x
So so sorry.
PS: Have managed to “lighten” up my snow photos, thanks for your offer.
Oh how sad. At least you were on the ball Fiona and gave her comfort during her last night with you.
My sister lost one of her chickens last week.
Heidi
Dear Fiona… really sorry to hear about Peace….
a big hug
Fiona:
I am so sorry to hear about Peace. I hope her companion is not suffering too much and that she has a new friend soon.
Philippa
New York
So sorry to hear about Peace. The pics are really lovely – a beautiful bird.
Oooooohh, i’m so sorry. Peace was so pretty. I hope that Hope won’t be too lonely. 🙁
Oh no! Not again, take good care of Peace. I hope she pulls through, it won’t be good for Hope to be left alone at the bottom of the pecking order.