[compostqueen]

I had to have my girl put to sleep today as she was very ill.  She could hardly stand this morning but she ate some breadcrumbs from my hand.  She allowed me to cuddle her for a while. I phoned the vet and had to wait til 2.00 pm to see someone so I had to keep an eye on her, watching for any sign of improvement. There was none and the vet agreed she was too poorly to survive. He said she had an abdominal mass (which was not an egg) She was 3.5 years old, had a wonderful life with me, laid loads of eggs and was generally a well girl.  She was the most gentle of my hens and I shall miss her very much

I'm now left with one hen, who is the most feisty girl and I'm wondering now what to do for the best, as she is so bossy

[ANHBUC]

Sorry to hear your sad news about Bunty.

If you are thinking of replacement you could get two more and that might put your fiesty girl in her place.

[jinty1911]

I am so sorry to hear you bad news about Bunty but you know you can't keep 1 chook by herself. So you will have to get at least 2 more.   

[LittleRedHen]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss.  I know it is heart-breaking.  Having just one hen is a very lonely existence for her, so perhaps consider getting at least two more hens if you can. 

[New shoot]

Sorry to hear your news Compostqueen    Sounds like Bunty had an idylic chicken life but it was her time to go.

I'm sure your feisty girl will sort it out with any newcomers.  It usually sounds worse than it really is and is over pretty soon.  Have you integrated new girls before? 

[compostqueen]

I've never integrated new girls as these were my first three.  I can't leave her on her own but I've not yet decided whether to let her go to my friend who has loads of hens