A few days ago I listed 3 of my "Working Girls" for sale, and this evening they went home with their new owner, who would like to have fresh eggs now that he has acquired a place in the country. The girls I selected for sale were a good mix of hens - an Easter-egger, a Barred Rock, and a Rhode Island Red (Marilyn, Priscilla, and Lucy, respectively). Ya wouldn't think it could be difficult to part with a few hens - after all, I had 29 birds total, which includes the new pullets I bought a few weeks ago.
When I knew that the buyer was on his way, I rounded up the 3 hens and had a "moment" with each of them before isolating them in their hen house for the last time. We had a little chat, I told them I loved them and thanked them for the good eggs they have provided us and our customers with. But now, they were going to a new home and they would be taken care of well at the new place, and hopefully would meet some new hen friends to enrich their lives.
 |
| "Lucy" being cuddled by children - baawk baawk! |
Reminiscing can be therapeutic during times like this, and we remembered fun experiences with the children who came to visit and to hold a hen for the first time...the kids that were able to collect eggs right from a real nest box....
All too soon it was time for them to leave. The buyer brought with him a real antique chicken carrier - made in Arkansas! How cool is that! The girls seemed to feel secure in the carrier and settled right down for their journey to a new home. As I tucked the remaining 6 hens in for the night, I could hear them moaning, missing their pals. I know hens can feel sorrow. I've heard it when they discovered one of their flock killed by a neighbor's dog - they cluck low and soft, and the moans are sorrowful. It sounded like that this evening. They will get over their loss, but it takes a couple of days. I'll miss my 3 girls too - and I do hope they'll be cherished and taken care of as well as I've cared for them since they first arrived.
the ChickenWrangler
7 comments:
How good of you to set this man up with wonderful hens. I'm sorry you are missing them, as are the other hens.
Mine were raising quite the racket tonight so I went up to see what they needed.....nothing other than attention. Silly things. That's why I like them so much.
Aww..another chapter over at your chick house closed.The three girls should do okay togther huh?
I love to hear them talk to each other..they really each have their own sound. My roosters are now attempting to crow..it is quite funny to listen to them...they actually penned a girl or two down yesterday...hmm I don't like that part of it at all...I might need to move them out...lol
Do you have roosters?
Tell Miss Lizzy hello.Come check my blog out you might want to participate...but I will understand if you don't.
Hugs and stay safe..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
I know this is what people call a bittersweet moment - it's hard to let go - even if it was what you wanted. The girls did not seem afraid of them at all! They will be alright!
What a lucky guy to get 3 of your prized hens! I'm sure you'll miss them. I didn't realize that the other hens would miss them like that. I'm glad you got to say your goodbyes to them.
Hugs,
Angela
It's hard to let our beloved animals go, no matter how great the home.
Sad they miss they're friends I have never thought they would grieve. Trish
I guess we all get attached to the animals we take care of and get to know. It's amazing how each animal of WHATEVER kind has it's own personality when you get to know them. It's always hard to let someone/thing go that has become a friend, and I hope that your babies will have a wonderful new home.
Post a Comment