RIP Hen

[Debbie]

I'm completely shattered today. I've found our lovely Guinea Hen killed in the barn. Our lives won't be the same without her.



She'd been nervous for about a week, acting very out of character for her. I'd turned the 4 riding string horses out into the big field behind the house. Apparently the Appaloosa colt was bored and thought it was a great game to chase and try to kill her. Yesterday morning Eldon and I saw him come flying up the field and he almost killed her, but she flew into the adjoining paddock.

We decided right then and there to sell him, and I phoned a girl who fancies him. She thought she could get him into a new home today, or tomorrow so I brought them all up into a smaller paddock. Hen's been around since before the colt was born, but he killed her at daybreak. The hoofmarks are too small to be any of the others.

Coco was standing guard over her body for me when I took some food out to the barn at lunchtime. Hen hadn't shown for her breakfast and I was getting concerned. Coco quietly moved and kept guard for me as I gathered her body and feathers.

I've already cried a lot, it's so hard to believe my tv watching buddy, my mushroom work companion and all around huge part of the family and my day is gone forever because a colt decided he was bored and killed her for fun.

RIP Hen.... I hope you have as many croissants, pizza crusts and bread as you like and may you forever have as many cartoons, or long discussions. You'll be sorely missed

[harveydales]

Heart breaking.

RIP Hen

[dalesnfellfan]

So sorry, what a waste, she sounds a character and a true friend.

[valerie n scout]

Oh Debbie, am so so sorry

[cadeby]

Oh no. Horrible horse She was such a huge character in a little body, and a big part of your life. It's so unfair to have lost her like that. Scratch and fly free Hen xxx

[Fi]

oh how sad, poor Hen. What a horrible thing to have happened. RIP little Hen.

[cutemangurdi1]

I'm so sorry Debbie what a horrible shock for you.

[Debbie]

Thank you all for your condolences. I love how any critter or pony or person is equally important on DFs. Other people would think she's just a silly Guinea hen, what's the big deal? But you all understand how important and a part of the family she was to us. Eldon and I really appreciate the support.

It's been a long, tough day for me. The girl who fancied the colt has broken her leg (no idea how as it was relayed friend of a friend) and now they've backed out completely a real shame as it was a lovely home. Tomorrow I'll go to the feed store to see if we can find him a new home.

[zeldalithgow]

Oh Debbie I'm so so sorry

Fly free little Hen

[majobgeorge]

Really sorry to read this. Thinking of you all. Hope you find a home for the colt very soon.

[Debbie]

It's taken a week, but we finally found a new home for the colt. They came to collect him yesterday and I'm happy to report he's gone to a home with a woman who does 4H with kids and trains horses for a living. He's already adored, she even brought a brand new halter and leadrope for him, and will find all sorts of exciting things to do.

He tried to nurse on his mother when I haltered her to take her inside for the parting (he's 2 and never weaned) and for the first time ever, Rita pinned her ears and refused to let him have a drink. Never once did she call for him.

It took us a long time of very patiently coaxing him into the trailer. He's never seen one, being born on the farm, and his courage failed him when it came time to step on board, so I tapped him gently on the top of his rump with the lunge whip until he got his fronts up and in and then we all paused and rewarded him. I picked up one of his hinds and placed it up into the trailer for him and with just a little more encouragement, he was on his way to his new adventures. I was so relieved to find others who were also willing to give him as much time as he needed. So long as he made progress, we let him take the time to look it all over carefully and to gain confidence that he would be okay. It's so nice when humans don't feel rushed, and none of us were.

I've kept a close eye on Rita yesterday and again this morning. She did wait for him after I'd turned them all loose into the paddock behind the barn. I sat with them reading a book while they munched hay and let her get adjusted to life without the colt. All in all, everyone heaved a huge sigh of relief that he's gone.

This morning they are peaceful and in harmony. I've given them hay and will turn them out in the kiddie paddock today, but if all goes well and Rita still seems happy with the weaning, I'll turn them loose in the main field.

I only wish Hen was still with us it's been a long tough week. Now that the colt is gone, the hole she leaves behind feels even bigger. I'm so so sorry Hen. I hope you found your mate and babies by now. You're sadly missed here

[nedales]

Ah, Debbie, what a sad tale. We have guinea hens at the farm as well and it is always a loss when one of them wanders in the road and waits for a truck to run it over. Sounds like you kept yours a lot safer than we. The last time there was a hit and run (two hens dead) I came across the rest of the flock calling and crying and walking back and forth and around the squashed ones--of course all in the middle of the road, easy targets for the next speeder. I had to collect the dearly departed and give them a proper burial before the rest felt less upset and wandered off to rid the pastures of ticks (their main job). I do wish they had a better sense of self survival but they are def the best watch-hens in the world. Ours often choose to live with the neighbors cows rather than the horses...

[Debbie]

How sad to read about the others mourning the lost in the road. It's a shame the person couldn't at least stop to remove their bodies from the roadway

I think what made Hen so special is that after seeing her mate killed, she did stay right here on the farm, and always close to us. We became her flock. She was the best for guarding and always made me feel safe when Eldon had to travel so much over the last year. Anything that was out of place, like people coming in, she would set up her alarm call and let me know, plus it startled the heck out of newcomers usually I found them dead in their tracks, wondering if it was safe to move with her there, but she never ever harmed anyone.

Hen's bug removal was an added bonus, but it's her companionship we miss the most.

[ikklecob]

And who says animals are stupid I am sorry.