Daisy

by Janice
(Portsmouth NH)

So my little girl chicken died yesterday. She was nine years old.

She was not really mine but actually was my chicken because I took care of her a lot. Her owners were away a lot so so was happy to watch her.

They had six but slowly over time only Daisy was left & I loved and spoiled her. She wasn’t cuddly but she came when I called her, ate from my hand and was extremely sweet.

She had s good death- and I watched and held her as she slowly died. We buried her by a tree next to a hosta plant with all our neighbors sprinkling rose petals, oatmeal and each take turns placing dirt on her grave.

Touching, heartwarming.

Sleep peacefully Maddie x

by Rebecca W
(Kettering )

My dear Maddie died suddenly this evening amongst her sisters. She was 10 years old and a very happy and loving hen.

You will be missed Maddie. Sleep tight xxx

Dodo - Much loved and healthy Orpington

by Emma H
(UK)

Dodo - our beautiful fluffy family pet, very tame and loved cuddles and bum scratches - had a large run and during the day full run of the garden.

Used to sit on the doorstep and watch me work. She was a motherly type, always broody and looked out for her best friend (Hotpot) a Vorwerk.

Dodo had the most hilarious running style, a huge bum of feathers and often knocked on the door to get our attention.

Last night there was a particularly bad thunderstorm - it was too much for her and when I opened the coop this morning she remained asleep - we are devastated!

Rest in peace my beautiful feathered friend, we miss you dearly.

To my beloved Zebe

by Natalia Ancona
(New York )

Zebra (zebe) was my favorite hen of all time. She was 1 year old and was a barred rock hen.

From the day I picked her up from the post office after I ordered her online, she was always feisty and smart. She was never scared of me and instead trusted me. I’m only 16 years old my chickens are my babies. My family says “you know it’s just a chicken” but too me I’m like yes, it was a chicken, my chicken.

This morning I found her unexpectedly dead for no apparent reason. My immediate response was to ball my eyes out for hours. My whole day has been spent crying over you, Zebe.

Zebra, if I could see you one more time, I would wanna tell you that I love you and I miss you and that you have been an amazing pet and friend.

And I wish I could just talk to her or sing to her one last time. I wish I knew we had so short time and I hope you remember me.

I will never forget my crazy zebra. Fly high baby girl. Mommy loves you and none of us are the same without you. I know you are hearing me right now.

Matilda

by Sharron Sibson
(North Lincolnshire UK)

Matilda was an 18 month old ex bat girl, I got her in September 2018 from a charity that save chickens and ducks from going to slaughter.

Matilda came home with four other girls. Poor girl looked like she was ready for the oven - no feathers, only a few on her head. Her sisters had all their feathers and would constantly peck and bully her.

But over the weeks Matilda grew stronger and braver. She would run behind the others, peck them and run off or hide behind my legs.

Last week she started walking strange. We bathed her hoping it would help her, but to no avail.

Monday afternoon the vet said it was egg peritonitis and nothing could be done. She was put to sleep, safe in my arms.

My heart is broken 💔

R.I.P. Violet

by Amanda
(Ohio)

Violet was a Buff Orpington hen, just reaching laying age at five months old.

She and her two largest sisters (Briony & Myrtle) had recently asserted themselves as queens of the coop and chicken yard, bossing their six sisters and being gatekeeper of their domain.

Violet's favorite treats were sweet clover and corn on the cob (she also loved the occasional frozen tater tot treat on a hot day).

She died of complications with egg-laying and is survived by her eight sisters.

Our Nugget, the first of everything

by Kerry
(UK)

You were our first chicken, we got you on the last day of June this year (2019).

We called you Nugget on our way back in the car, that made us laugh a lot. A little white Leghorn, you made us giggle and fret. You came home and flew out of the cardboard box, I thought I lost you then! I spent the first hour of knowing you physically chasing you around, trying to shoo you down from my neighbour's roof!

You were the first to lay an egg (within 5 days of being in your home), the first to come out the coop, the first to jump up on my make shift ramp for treats.

You had a happy high pitch girly cluck, loving all sorts of treats and berries (you were the fastest to all treats!).

I loved holding you while I tried to nurse you, even though you were poorly, you always put up a fight. Nugget died from a vent prolapse - you were poorly for 2 days. I think you liked your warm baths. You certainly gave me lots of practice at being a chicken mom and I thank you for that.

Although you were only with us for 7 weeks (5/6 months old), you gave us lots of joy, eggs and memories and we love you dearly.

You slept so peacefully on your last night. I didn’t want to wake you for a last cuddle. The radio was on to keep you company and you’re no longer in pain.

Thank you for all the joy you brought, Nug Nug, we love you.

Stormy

by Stephanie
(Washington NJ USA)

My baby was about a year old. I got her with three other chicks and raised her.

She was my chunky chicken and gave us eggs. I taught her and her mates to crouch when I said “down” and then I’d pick her up and love her, pet her and fluff her feathers.

She was a Barred Rock chicken gray, white and black. She followed me and I loved her and will miss her terribly

My Sweet Hazel

by Sally
(Louisiana)

My sweet Hazel was just a few days over a year old when I found her lifeless in our chicken run.

She was my favorite little hen, a beautiful gold Silkie, one of six I had raised since three days of age. Hazel was the friendliest of my 18 chickens, coming to greet me each time I entered the run.

She expected to be picked up and clucked at, and always returned the greeting. She seemed perfectly fine that morning, eating and running around just as normal as ever.

We did have a very stormy day, and I'm not sure if that impacted her or not. I found her in the run that evening, passed away.

I'll always miss that sweet little girl....she was truly my pet chicken.

Run free, sweet Hazel.....I hope you enjoyed your home here, with all your brothers and sisters. I know you loved your blueberries and cucumbers and grapes.

I'll sure miss our cuddles.

Lily, my lovely gentle girl. 14/9/2007-14/9/2019 12 years 92 days old

by Jill Mc Mahon
(East Sussex, England)

Lily was hatched in our lounge on June 14th 2007 along with her 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Along the years we lost them one by one. Sophie was first at 4 years old but the remaining family went on until 8 years plus.

Lily kept going. She hatched several chicks of her own, including Walter who turned 9 in July this year. She saw a lot of little friends come and go over the years and yet she remained the same quiet, gentle girl she always was. A beautiful white Pekin Bantam who always looked immaculate even during the moult!

She is laid to rest next to her brother Lionel and sister Chloe. 12 years and 92 days old when she died. Not a record I know but I personally have not come across a hen so old.

My gentle girl, may you enjoy your grass and mealy worms where ever you are.

Goodnight Mr Jingles & Grottbags

by Heych
(Wirral, UK)

We have had ex battery hens for years with never a problem. We rehomed 4 more lives on 14th December, Greebo, Grottbags, Grendel and Mr Jingles.

Mr Jingles and Grottbags were the most underweight and shut down. We took them in the house and fed them twice a day, they started to regain health. On 22 December 2019 the hens were free ranging in the garden, I was in the kitchen and heard a mighty noise - I went outside the hens were terrified, no sign of Grottbags except a few feathers.

We later found her body and believed a fox had taken her - at 3pm in the afternoon. We became extra vigilant only letting hens out when we were in the garden.

Mr Jingles started displaying some personality, eating more and starting feather regrowth. She would wait in the hen house till we came and took her inside for breakfast.

Today I was in and out of the garden, Mr Jingles patiently waited in the hen house then delightedly started the chicken song. Next, an almighty scream - the fox had returned.

I ran and found Mr Jingles bleeding from her neck, she had just laid an egg, the other hens were in the garden and she was in the hen house alone.

She died in my arms at 10am. Only 16 days free. I feel awful. Hens are now on lockdown, upset and confused.

I am devastated. We have never had a fox attack before and now 2 within a week. The guilt is crippling.

RIP Grottbags and Mr Jingles - you tiny but feisty hen - life was cut too short for you.

Bright blessings in the next life. xxx

My Muggu

by Khizra Amir
(Pakistan)

Hey my name is Khizra and i just wanted to share my story or good memories with you.

I lost my rooster yesterday. He was very sick and diagnosed with Newcastle Disease. He was totally paralysed. He was in pain I know and it’s very hard to say.

I can’t deal with it. He’s on my mind all the time and I am just crying like crazy. I lost him I know and he’s gone. 😢 I miss him a lot.

He was a good boy. I called him baba. Every time I looked anywhere I just felt he’s here, seeing me.

It’s really painful, trust me. 😢 I know he’s with me after his death and always will me and I hope when I die I will meet him and kiss him, cuddle him, hug him like I always did to him.

Miss you a lot Muggu and I love you.. you have a special place in my heart and will always stay here. ❤️ Thank you.

Brad's Mom

by Joyce
(Alberta, CA)

I got him at the end of last winter. He is gorgeous. Had chickens off and on my whole life. I'm about the same age as Charlie's mom.

Other roosters seemed to be rather bad tempered but Brad is special. He never eats until all the hens have eaten. When I put out food, he calls all the 'girls' with a sound I've never heard before. He is a peacekeeper and he moves in quickly to prevent infighting among the hens.

I am totally smitten by him. I will be totally devastated if anything happens to him. I truly am too attached to him and I know I'm going to feel just like Charlie's mom when that time comes.

Who would have thought I could feel that way about a chicken.

Joyce

My boy Tom

by AM
(Uk)

I lost my Polish bantam today, I can't stop crying I am devastated, I took my car to the garage he and the others were fine as usual, came back to find him gone, seemingly died of shock .....

So silly but I loved Tommy very much, Tiny and Tilly remain and miss him too. 😭😭

In Memory of Little Eggs

by Erin
(Maryland, USA)

Eggs died very unexpectedly today. I came home and started to clean out the coop when I noticed she wasn’t moving.

She was very young and I don’t know why she died. She was our first chicken and will be missed dearly by me, my husband, and our children.

She was a sweet little red hen.

my darling h&h

by Abby
(Pennsylvania )

Dear half and half. thank you for being my friend these past few months.

You will forever be in our hearts. I miss you so much and I hope you are having the best time in the giant dustbath in the sky.

Mommy misses you and I hope to see you again. Thank you for keeping the coop together.

We love you. Your friend and momma, Abby.

Sophie

by Melissa
(Saint Johns, Florida )

Sophie (a satin, part silkie) was marshmallow colored. Only had 2 chickens, Sophie and Nugget. (Nugget is now in the house so she won’t be lonely until incubated eggs hatch).

Nugget always protected Sophie by rearing up and chasing cats away, but was unable to help Sophie in time from a GIANT hawk.

Ran out there and chased hawk away then gave Sophie a warm bath, put neosporin and hydrogen peroxide and cuddles her in towel, then she squaked and went to heaven.

Never dreamed I’d get so sad when I first got these chickens, thought they were just backyard hens for eggs.

They followed and talked to me everyday, always wondering what I’m doing and wanting to talk.

Glad you’re in heaven Sophie, having lots of fun with Jesus :)

Rue aka angry bird

by Sally
(England)

We hand reared Rue from her egg, she was a gorgeous little plump USA Silkie.

She was the most friendliest little hen with a huge character, she would always be the first to come and investigate what food we had and follow us round like a sheep!!

She sat and watched tv with us and slept in the bed with my youngest child when he would be off school. She was so loving.

We found her this morning after she had passed. We have no idea why or how but we are all so sad x

Pernickerty

by Vee
(Brisbane, Qld Australia)

Pernickerty was like one of our dogs, always happy to see you. She went through a greiving period when we lost her friends to EYP.

We were all upset losing our girls. Nickerty recovered and she developed a friendship with a new hen, Barbara, months later.

Five days ago I found Nickerty dead but still warm. I was devastated, our beautiful brown house chicken gone. No sign of disease or trauma.

Barbara is grieving now but taken over as dominant hen. We miss our cheeky Nickerty she was our feathered dog. We buried her in the garden near her friends.

I too said, 'no more, I've had enough. Yet we rise everyday with a heavy heart and love the ones remaining.

Rest in peace darling girl. My nightly role call is missing a your name. 😢💔

My sweet, sweet Fly Baby

by Jeri Edson
(St George, UT)

My sweet Buff Orpington, Fly Baby died today. 7 months old yesterday, she was my favorite.

She would lightly peck my knee, then look up, waiting for me to pick her up. She loved for me to hold her.

I miss her so much. I love you baby girl!❤

Red, the little chicken with a big personality

by Elise
(Louisiana)

Red was the leader of the Fraggle Flock. At five months, she suddenly became lethargic and passed within two hours.

But she was the spunkiest hen that ever ruled that coop! From day 1, she loved and protected Moki, Wembly, Gobo, and little Boober like they were her family. She had one lame toe, but that never slowed her down. If I went outside, she was the first one to greet me (especially if I had a treat!) One time, she was even brave enough to steal the tomato out of my sandwich as I was eating it!

She would hop up into my lap if I was sad, and floofled around in my hair sometimes to say goodnight. We will miss you, Red. I'll protect your family for you in the interim.

Sweetie

by Andrea Minor
(Texarkana texas)

Sweetie was my 3 year old white silkie rooster. I raised him by hand since he was just an 3 week old chick. He was supposed to be a hen but, it wasn’t meant to be. Against my husbands wishes & our “chicken deal”... I kept him with the ladies. He did such a good job of watching his flock. He loved to talk & tidbit for me everyday. I am going to miss his antics around the yard. Our flick will never be the same!

RIP my dear Sweetie.

Miracle

by Marya Kinsler
(Olympia, WA, USA )

We bought our chicks in April of this year. Our sweet hen Miracle, was the kindest of them all.

A few days ago we noticed she wasn't moving around much. We brought her in and took her to the vet. She seemed to have some type of paralysis. They thought she would recover with steroids.

Unfortunately she passed today. She spend her last evening watching South Park, laying in my bed, with the company and protection of my chihuahua.

She will be so greatly missed.

Becky with the good hair

by Mackenzie
(Minneapolis, MN)

We got Becky when she was 1 day old, along with 4 other chicks. It was my son's 9th birthday the next day and it was our gift to him. He adored them all!

Becky had beautiful blonde hair that was soft and shiny. She was somewhat of a leader and became the mother figure to another one of our chicks. They grew a special bond and always snuggled on the perch. I’m heartbroken for her as well.

She loved fresh fruit, playing in the yard with us, and sitting on the Perch. She loved a good stoke and was always curious to new humans.

We came home and saw that she was missing. The covering to their little opening was loose. We then saw some of her feathers and prepared for the worst. She was taken from us by some predator at only 6 months of age.

My son was devastated; we all are. We will miss her so much! I’m so thankful we found this community of others who adore chickens like us. May our sweet girls live on in our hearts.

Luci

by Lily marie
(Dahlonega ga)

I only had Luci 1 day. I got him/her from a near bye farmer that sold them year round. Luci was sweet, but his/her legs where paralyzed, as he/she was weak. I tried my best to save her, but I guess my best wasn't good enough

Bluebell

by Natalie
(UK)

Dear Bluebell,

Thank you for being a lovely friend. Your cute little individual clucks will be missed.

We hope you enjoyed your time with us. You will be missed by us both and your sisters.

Rest in peace

Pepper

Black Silkie Roo

He was a terrible rooster. Too small to mate properly with the ladies; ran at the first sign of trouble; wouldn't break up a fight; crowed like a scared old lady.

But I loved and appreciated him. He was a fuzzy dude, just like me.

RIP Pepper (aka Batman)

My Little Rock

by Lisa D.
(Canada)

My Little Rock was a 4 month old Roo. I raised him in my house until he was big enough to be outside.

He was the only survivor of an incubator, so I turned into his "momma". Near the end of this summer he got sick very suddenly and died.

I was devastated. He was my boy, my little cuddle buddy, and breeding stock for next year. I was SO looking forward to the large Barred Rock Rooster he was soon to become.

Momma misses you.

Lady Madonna

Lady Madonna did not wake up this morning,even though we never noticed any health issues. We have cared and watched over her for the last sixteen months. We made her as comfortable as possible thru the hot summers and the very cold winter.

Lady Madonna was part of a group of three hens that always gave me a time of peace and tranquility while I watched these ladies. I miss her.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with others who know what it is like to loose a pet.

When I was a kid in the ‘50s

by Clifton
(Vienna, VA)

In first grade, 1953, I was sweet on my friend Cheryl. At about the same time, our neighbors there in Northern Virginia, had an undersized white chicken they didn’t want.

I asked my Mom what that meant. Horrified at the answer, I asked if I could have her as a pet. Everyone was ok with it with the stipulation that I alone, would be responsible for,her care & feeding of the hen I named Cheryl! I had rescued my first precious animal!

She was a wonderful friend, pet and teacher. She survived in her happy little house and roost. I’m sure she was lonely, but always so sweet and happy.

She survived nearly through high school to peacefully pass one cold night at 11 years old 🥰🐓.

Still miss her and have applied all I learned through her to all the animals in my world❤️🐔

For Penelope

by Hayley
(Bedfordshire)

I only had Penelope for 6 months, she was an ex battery and looked very sorry for herself when I first met her, but she soon made a name for herself as our resident trouble maker.

If one of the chooks was going to be the first to break into the house it was Penelope, or steal the cat food - Penelope or even terrorise the cats and chase them off. Yep, Penelope.

She was the most curious and always the first to come running up the garden when I opened the back door, the memory of her little chicken legs running will make me smile forever.

I was heartbroken to find her this afternoon but I hope she had an amazing retirement no matter how short it was.

Veronica

by Mary
(San Diego)

Seven year old barred rock will miss very much. She was very vocal and laid dark brown jumbo eggs. She loved to be pet on the back.

We will miss her greeting when ever she heard us open the back door. She loved quinoa and spinach even though she loved to kick over the plate when served.

May you rest in Peace my sweet girl with your sisters Thumbalina and Minie we lost in May by a Raccoon attack.

Veronica would always warn me when ever predators entered the yard. Their pen is totally racoon proof now.

Dot (Dorothy (Anne)

by Jennifer
(Everett ON Canada )

Dot was a sweet little red sex link crossed with I don’t know what. I got her from a backyard chicken farmer as a companion for Carly who was being picked on by my leghorn bullies.

She was about 3 and I only got to enjoy her for 5 months. I think she was egg bound but really showed no signs until hours before she passed.

It is hard to lose an animal or bird that you loved and cared for. Please God heal my broken heart.

To Ginger

by Grendel
(Middleburg, FL, USA)

My sweet, chunky, strangely colored Wyandotte hen — red with silver underlace, instead of black. Loved me. I loved her. And I lost her to a raccoon when she was just 10 months old.

It isn’t fair that the favorites always go first. Can’t stop crying. I hope chicken heaven has a million fields of her favorite soft grass.