Sunday Shocker!

Sorry Steve, only caught up with this post again.  Been a bit busy today!  Also sorry I didn't hear the phone yesterday.  spent most of the day in the Garage sorting it out and getting rid of stuff on freecycle!

lthough I agree with GB75 to some extent, a lot of people don't have chickens just as loved pets, they have them to lay eggs and if something happens and the chances are tht chicken will not lay again, or if she will suffer by being put back in the coop with the other girls, surely that is worse than giving her up and maybe having a good life elsewhere?

I have only taken one of our chickens to the vet, and that was in the summer when one of them got a respiratory infection, and was sneezing, and I got her some anti-biotics.  But if any of ours are ill and the prognosis is bad.  then they are put out of their misery.

I sell my eggs (when I've got any!)  I do have  couple of hens who don't lay eggs, but I've grown fond of them.  Like little Rosie, and I only re-homed her because I was so tight on space at the time.

I'm rambling here I know.  But I know Steve thinks a lot of his girlies and he wouldn't have made that decision lightly!

Sorry if I seem a bit dim TMG, but I didn't read in the threads that they wouldn't give Steve his hen back unless he paid the vet bill.  I thought he meant that if he wanted her back, he'd have to take her to the vet himself.

in that case I would agree that its like holding him to ransom, but if the lad shouldn't have taken the hen in, then they should just give her back!  Perhaps I could 'rescue' her!!!! 

Financial consideration is a major one when deciding to get a pet. you have said yourself you get a lot out of them, well you should give them something back and be prepared to look after them when they are too ill to sit on your arm and make you feel better. You have a responsibility to care properly for the birds, and you have to accept that there will be cost involved sometimes.

A bit aggressive and personal there aren't we goosebusters 75, if you read my threads and saw how I look after my 'pet's' and the £600.00 I spent on vets bills for one in particular... as for my chooks yes they are pets and working animals, but peing practical 'Amber' was in a bad way, took her to a local sanctuary who had the staff to care for her whatever the outcome........

I think really that if any chicken is taken to a sanctuary for treatment, one should not expect the sanctuary to pay for treatment and then hand the hen back... how pointless would that be!!

If someone wanted to keep their hen, they should fund the treatment themselves.....

This isnt directed at the original poster in any way whatsoever.... I have done a similar thing with a hamster when I just couldnt cope with it anymore   But more to highlight the fact that you cant have your cake and eat it when it comes to vet bills or treatment.

  Hi all
     Thanks for all your comments and advice, I have and will continue to take it all on board (even the one from my mate goosebusters 75  ), all of this has been a learning curve. But I think we all ought to draw a line under this one if everyone is agreeable.
Many thanks again.

Best Regards

Steve

  what am I like might be good to get peoples name right sorry SCRAPPYDOO XX