[Abacus]

Mr Milo our bantam cockerel died in his sleep last night. Old age I suspect as he was really old (very long spurs). Mrs Milo was discovered cuddled up alongside him trying to keep him warm with a wing and refused to let anyone near him. In the end we had to remove him when she went outside for a drink. Since then she keeps searching the hen house for him and I'm hoping she will 'forget' about him very quickly. Curiously enough the Rhodies in the large run gathered at their wire nearest to the bantam hut and followed me as far as they could when I carried him away.

The search has started for a new companion for her.

[orchardlady]

That is very touching. Poor Mrs. Milo. It has brought a tear to my eye.

Orchardlady.

[joyfull]

so sad, hopefully you find a new chap for her soon 

[NormandyMary]

Oh that is so very sad. I hope that love can find a way again very soon.
Big hugs to all from France.
xx

[evie2]

Oh that's sad, poor Mrs Milo

[Abacus]

Mrs Milo has since refused to use their old house so I removed the wire between hers and the Rhodies runs. After a small amount of bickering and more than one attempt at her trying to control the Rhodies ( picture a small tan bantam standing on top of a dustbin yelling orders to a bunch of bemused and significantly larger, Rhodies gathered beneath) , they have all settled down together though she tends to roost on one of the bars in the large run at night usually accompanied by one or more of the Rhodies.

Life has returned to normal...

[bantam novice]

At least she has company.  She sounds as if she could well be in charge    Are you going to get another cockerel?

[ChristyRose]

Poor Mrs Milo and RIP Mr Milo.  Glad shes settled down with the others  .  I didnt realise that chickens get emotionally attached to each other.  When one of mine died I went out and found another chicken sitting on her and some had laid eggs around her!!

[Beano]

I'm so glad that Mrs Milo has found company.
I get the impression she thinks they are not quite good enough for her but she will soon lick/peck them into shape.

[Spacey]

Oh dear, sorry about Mr Milo, but very pleased Mrs Milo is happy with the big girls x

[RigsVilleBird]

I am so sorry for your loss, it's never nice to lose one of the family. (big hugs)

I had a fox attack  and lost my saxony duck Katie , her husband slash had his eye damaged trying to protect her.  Slash was heartbroken, totaly devasted he pined for her for days, I honestly thought he was going to die of a broken heart    I decided to save him by getting him two new ladies. 

I collected to 15 week old crested ducks, Hilda and Jenny.  He ignored them for a little while but he soon showed interest. 
He is now much happier with his new hareem!!!
Getting the two new girls was the best thing I could ever have done, if I hadn't he would have surely died heartbroken.

It is good to see him back to his usual self.

I hope things settle down soon.xxx

[JACDORE]

Awwwww sorry to hear your loss Mrs Milo and family.  Huge hugs to you all.

I recall everytime we lost one of our girls and we bury them with a likkle pet grave as always bury our animals regardless of what they are (Have a small zoo ere) The other girls always spookily came stood next to the wire fence nearest to the grave area and all stood watching from start to finish.  Really stood like humans at a burial.  Made it so much harder.

[Abacus]

At least she has company.  She sounds as if she could well be in charge    Are you going to get another cockerel?

Looking for one - but we are all a bit fussy and it has to be just the right one