Little Gloria Chickenbottom has been struggling recently, we had crop issues and a potential tumour, then a severe moult. But my feisty, cheeky little girl bounced back from all of it.
This weekend she slowed down again, still eating bits, still the occasional peck at one of the newbies if they got too close, but slower nonetheless.
Princess Layer sat with her a lot, they arrived together on the fourth of May 2019, and I like to think that she was comforting her.
This morning it was clear that we needed to visit the vet, I scooped her up into the deluxe laying apartment (otherwise known as the cat carrier) and rushed her off to the vets. Unfortunately we were too late, but the vet was fairly sure that it was due to the tumour and her little body had finally just given up.
I am desperately sad, I loved that little hen, she had a fabulous character and I will miss her dreadfully.
So what has this taught me? What lesson can I take from such an awful time?
That there is an inevitability to death, and all things come to an end, it’s fine to be sad when it’s over, (indeed grief is a healthy and healing emotion) but take heart from the memories you hold and the good times that were shared.
That love cannot halt death, but it is what makes life worth living.
And whilst I am sad now, I could never wish that I hadn’t adopted her. Gloria had 19 happy months in the sun, dust bathing, digging for worms and climbing trees, she literally jumped at all a free ranging retirement had to offer for a little hen. The best way I can continue her legacy is to rescue more ex-commercial hens. I already have my name on the list to adopt two more.
Fly high sweet bird, and know that you were loved.
Chicken Nuggets 