Hen died

[Nanny31]

That's it really. I'm utterly heartbroken 💔 what are the stages of grief.? How do you carry on.?

I'm so sorry. I think it is different for everyone. When we had a fox attack a few years ago, I was sad but not as grief stricken as my teen DD. She only got better when we got more. I was really sad when one of our hens had to be put to sleep but got comfort from the vet who did a post mortem for vet students and discovered she had stomach cancer and her unwellness was not our fault. Also I took comfort in knowing that the next generation of vets were going to know about chickens because of our girl. I hope you feel better soon.

@Hapagirl48 Thank you for your reply. X

Oh op I'm so sorry. I remember how heartbroken I was when one of my first lot of hens died. Do you have others as well? I got more after I lost one as I only had 2 at the time and the other one was so lost without her. You will feel better in time, I promise. ♥️

@Killerqueenie Thank you for your kind words! No, she was the only one. My shadow and joy. The grief is painful. I hope for better days yes. Sorry about your lost ones too

I had to have one of my girls put to sleep just before Christmas. I was devastated. The fact that I had other girls did help me. I buried her and planted a small shrub to remember. Could you get some more girls? We did some rehoming of ex barn hens after and that did help me. I still miss her. Try to remember the happy times and the freedom you gave her. It is hard. So sorry for your loss.

@millimurphy Thank you for your reply and I am sorry about your loss also.
Yes, planning on a burial tomorrow and thinking about that sets me off again. She was a rescue also. Thank you for the kind words, I believe she had a good time with us. I like the idea of planting something too. Right now I'd say no to having more because of the heartbreak, however they are such beautiful creatures I would like more in the future

People don't realise how loving they can be. I did cry when I buried my girl but she deserved a proper send off, a little bit of dignity that so many of them never get. It will get easier. When you feel ready get some more girls - they do make the heartache a little better. I won't forget my girl and I think that she enjoyed the time she had with us. You just remember your girl and have a cry, they always manage to find a place in our hearts.

@millimurphy Thank you so much. ❣ Talking to others that understand helps with the grieving process

So sorry, it can be so sudden with them as they hide illness. Over the years we’ve lost a few, a mixture of at home or pts at the vets. She had a good life with you.

@StrongTea Thank you so much for your reply x

I’m so glad nobody’s said “ It was just a hen” because pets become such an important part of our families, don’t they? Sorry for your loss OP. We have lost 3 bunnies over the years since we brought our first 2 home in 2018. DH broke his heart over our rescue bunny in particular. Because rabbits do better in pairs, we replaced them very quickly & it did help with the grief. When you feel ready, there will be more beautiful girls for you to cherish. It’s lovely that you rescued your hen.

@RabbitsRock Thank you so much 🙏

Hope you are doing OK this evening. Thinking of you Nanny31 xx

@millimurphy Thank you for your message. Had a right evening, too upset to bury her, argued with partner. Hopefully in the morning Is a better day. Really struggling with this. My body aches to be honest. I appreciate your message x