Deep Thoughts For A Special Hen!

[thudson]

I couldn't think of a way to get around asking so here it is. I got a hen I have talked about her before. She is one that is special to me my Anabel. She is well past her prime and she is the one growing spurs. She can't get around too good so I had to isolate her by herself. The other hens have pecked her vent very badly at times so I had to isolate her and she healed up but she just won't run around too much. She talks to me softly everyday when I enter the yard and she just seems content by herself. Do I even have to consider putting her down or can I let her live out her days as long as she ain't suffering? When she is by herself she seems ok, but is this ok for her? I know if she starts to suffer what I Have to do, but not now, right?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Anabel is your property and only you can answer the question that you asked. Any answer that you come up with is the correct answer.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

She is special to you and Anabel. She doesn't have any issues that are causing her pain. She isn't old and decrepit. Can you make her an inside chicken? There are diapers and such you can get to keep her from pooping all over the house.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

I had a rooster that was like that. I got him his own little coop and put it in the backyard. The girls could not pick on him but he could still feel part of the flock. Worked great, he was happy, and his girls were able to visit him without pecking on him. He was a doll, he was attacked by a hawk and survived but at a cost. This is what I did for him and it was the best decision I made. Amazon had cute little coops. Hayneedle.com is another good site to look at. Above is a pic of his little coop and a visitor. I would allow him out with supervision.

 

[N F C]

If she were mine and I didn't think she was suffering, I'd keep her.

You might want to try what my husband & I did with a 'special needs' girl. We made her a little coop and run next to the large place for the main flock...everyone could see each other but no pecking could happen. I think our girl was happier being able to watch what was going on with the other birds.

Best of luck to you & your special girl.

 

[bobbi-j]

We each need to do what we think is best for our flock. If she's not in pain, I see no reason not to just let her be. It seems that you are willing to do what needs to be done if she does start to suffer. I applaud you for having her best interest in mind.

 

[thudson]

I agree I am going to let her live out her days. Part of the flock but not fully. She now has her own little area adjacent to her flock. She can see what's going on and socialize, but at the same time she can't get pecked. Thanks everyone. I just needed reassurance.

 

[LJoWilly]

Bless your heart "thudson"!!!

 

[flowers4me22]

Because you have shared your concern it helps me think of what I might have to do someday...thank you thudson and Anabel

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Here is the story of my rooster that I had. We was a special guy just like your Anabel. I got him a little coop and everything. Anyway, I will post the link to my blog below if you are interested in reading his story. It may offer some help for you and your little Adabel.

https://thekuntryklucker.blog/2016/02/03/a-boy-and-his-rooster/