[Helenaj]

My beautiful Buff Orpington cockerel Oliver passed away this morning. I'm pretty sure it was a heart attack as he was fine when I put him in last night, but when I let him out this morning he was panting and his comb was purple. He came out of the coop and just collapsed, it was that quick. At least he didn't suffer very long.
His little harem girls look quite lost this morning without him. Gutted.

[terri]

sorry to hear about oliver

[compostqueen]

Sorry to hear about Oliver but it sounds like it was sudden and he hadn't suffered. That's the way to go.  Bit of a shock for you though

[Helenaj]

Compostqueen, it knocked me for six and I cried. I've had hens die before, but it's usually been after an illness so you expect it to a certain extent, but this was within two minutes of me seeing him. My OH wouldn't believe me at first when I rang him, it's upset both of us.
 I've got the week off work, so I'm back and fore my ladies just keeping an eye on them. Even my other cockerel seems subdued and they had only settled their differences a few weeks back (Oliver being the "youngster").

A few more treats than usual due today, I think.

[compostqueen]

I can well understand that and I cried when I lost my girls too. You get so attached to them and I know I fell in love instantly with mine    My husband was worse than me 

It's good that you have a second cockerel though. Yes, give them all a little treat today. Have one yourself 

[LittleRedHen]

I am so very sorry for your loss.  A big gentle hug from me!

[Helenaj]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. It's lovely to be with like minded people who don't look at you as though you've said you've been abducted by aliens when you say you're upset over losing a chicken.

Just 'cos they've got feathers doesn't mean we don't love them!

[compostqueen]

They are endearing creatures and they give their eggs so generously so it's understandable 

[Kathie]

So sorry for your loss.  We lost our cockerel Sid last year, he was fine mooching around sll day then around 7pm when we went to give them so left over rice poor Sid was having some sort of seizure and went within minutes.  We cried too,  hugs to you

[NormandyMary]

I am so very sorry for your sad loss. I dont know why but I find it harder losing a cockerel. Ive lost 3 now and Ive been very sad even though the last one Jethro, we'd only had for 2 weeks. I think its because they walk so tall, looking after the girls and protecting them. A big hug is on its way over to you from France.

Mary.

[bantam novice]

So sorry, HelenaJ 

[nickybriggs]

So sorry to hear of your loss they end up being so much more than just chickens they are pets and part of the family big hugs from me !!!