[pepsi100]

Today all my hens went off to auction, including Barry my cockerel (hopefully not for the pot)

He was a big lad, Buff Orpington, we had him from an egg, it was with a lump in my throat watching him go, but because of his size, bred and manner, he would be going to stud (I have even said that if anyone thinks of having him for the pot, I'll take him back)

All my hens were an assortment, all from assorted eggs I hatched out

I know I am going to miss them in the mornings, going out, seeing who had laid an egg, giving them their breakfast of porridge and corn

I know a lot of people say 'They are just hens' but I had had them for a long time, some laid, some didn't, but they all had their own personality

They all suffered of something while I had them, but they all recovered and I hope they were happy and realise the only reason they had to be penned in at was night was for their protection, not because I liked seeing them behind a fence

My wife was really upset and couldn't watch Barry be put in a box and taken away (even I had a lump in my throat seeing him go

Oh, well, maybe I'll start hatching again in the future

BUT they were just chickens

[New shoot]

That's a real shame Pepsi    I know you really enjoyed having your flock.  Why did they all have to go?

[pepsi100]

Another extended trip, couldn't find anyone to look after them, or feed/water them

I bet all the neighbours will be upset, no eggs any more

[New shoot]

That's a real pity, but they need to be looked after, so you were forced into a corner there.

Have a good trip 

[joyfull]

such a shame, but sadly needs must sometimes. Shame your neighbours who had enjoyed the free eggs didn't get together to work some kind of rota to look after them with whoever was on that day getting the days eggs.
I hope you have a lovely trip.

[pepsi100]

Between 20 and 24 eggs a day wasn't bad, Barry never did lay an egg though

(I was told if a cockerel ever lays an egg it would be worth a fortune)

My wife looked after them when I was travelling, but now its time I take her away (well it has been 5-6 years)

Everyone passed comment on my eggs and we always sold out, kids used to come in the garden to see the hens, the school had eggs off me, so the kids could hatch them (and that caused a lot of arguments, the kids wanted to keep them, the parents didn't  ) so that added to the flock

Just like to thank everyone in here, when I had problems, there was always someone with advice,

THANKS EVERYONE

(you know who you are)

[wapello]

 Good luck to you both on your travels, who knows whats round the corner,,,,,    

[pepsi100]

Good luck to you both on your travels, who knows whats round the corner,,,,,    

Nothing coming on my side of the road I hope

[joyfull]

 

[pepsi100]

today, (this morning actually) I got an email

Barry has gone to a farm and now has 4 girls of his own breed, (Buff Orpington)

By all accounts he has settled in well, things haven't changed much with him, he still lets the hens get first pick of anything

He is still the last one to go into the hen house and he still waits at their back door

They have two kids who have made friends with him, despite his size

Well I am glad he has found a new home and has some new girls 

Never know, I might get some eggs and hatch them out, maybe Barry mk2 (one day)

[New shoot]

Aahhhhh that's lovely   

It sounds like Barry has a fantastic new home 

[joyfull]

such a relief all round - especially from Barrys point of view