Ethel didn’t make it. I put her out in the coop overnight, since that was where she would be safest. When I went to let them out this morning, she was only barely still there. She literally died in my arms – or rather, in the crook of my left arm – as I carried her back to the house for the day.
Now I have a dead chicken sitting in a dog crate outside my front door (because dead chickens do not smell very nice). And no idea what to do with the body. It’s not very good weather for digging deep holes, and digging a hole is a lot harder than you might think.
This is not really what I had originally planned for my Friday.
Little baby Ethel, just home from the feed store.
[Update: I phoned the vet's office and they very kindly said they would take her body for cremation for free. Although I had been rolling the idea of holding a seaside Viking funeral, the vet's office is a much more practical option.]
Oh no…I’m so sorry. I love reading about your chickens.
Goodbye Ethel
I’m so sorry! I have loved reading about your chicken adventures. I hope the other hens continue to do well.
Oh no! Poor Ethel and poor you.
Rest in peace Ethel.
Poor Ethel, she was a good chick.
So sorry to hear about Ethel. *hugs*
I’m so sorry to hear that. Hugs.
I’m so sorry. RIP Ethel.
I’m sorry to hear that.
Are some types of hens more prone to becoming egg-bound than others?
I love reading the posts about your chickens, and I am very sad for your loss. Ethel was a character and I’m sorry she didn’t get to grow old and give us Old Ethel stories. Thank you for sharing her with us through your blog.
Oh no! I am so sorry for your loss. RIP, Ethel. We will miss you.
I’m so sorry about Ethel. I was really pulling for her.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I was hoping for good news after the bath, but…at least she isn’t hurting anymore. She was a pretty chicken.
So sorry to hear that Ethel didn’t make it. She did seem to enjoy the warm-but-not-hot bath.
Oh, I am sad for you. I echo all the messages above. It’s small comfort, but there will be more room for the other three now.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve been loving your chickens vicariously for quite some time now… As a chicken goes, she probably couldn’t have asked for a much better life than you gave her.
Oh, poor Ethel
RIP.
Aw poor Chicky, I was hoping the bath would work, it would have been nice and also kind of amazing. Is baby Ethel the same kind of chicken as now deceased Ethel?
I think the pic of baby Ethel was our girl when she was a chick, not a new baby Ethel. Though I would totally support a new baby Ethel.
Sorry that Ethel didn’t make it. Hugs.
I’m sorry to hear that too.
It always sucks to lose an animal. I had hopped the bath would work as well.
You did give her a wonderful life.
You have my deepest condolences. She really truly was one spoiled chicken, very well loved, and I’m sure she was welcomed with open arms into chicken heaven.
So sad about Ethel. So sorry to hear the news.
I’m so sorry to hear that Ethel didn’t make it. You gave her a good life.
I’m so sorry that Ethel didn’t make it! Poor both of you.
Sorry to hear Ethel didn’t make it.
So sorry about Ethel.
I am so sorry about Ethel. May she rest in peace.
oh I am so very sorry
She was a good chicken. May she rest in peace.
I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry about your hen. This is the first I’ve heard that a hen can become egg bound. You took very good care of her, though. You have a very nice blog here. I love the egg stats you have posted. Shows it really is a labor of love for you. I’ve only recently found your blog, but will be stopping by again.
Take care,
-Sofia
She was one classy bird. Goodbye Ethel.
RIP Ethel. Thanks for letting us share her life with you!
I am really sorry Erika,
*sadface* Farewell Ethel. I enjoyed reading all the stories about you, and will think good thoughts for your human.
Ah no…I was sorry to read this today. I am so sorry for the loss of Ethel
My heart goes out to you and your remaining chickens.
So sorry about Ethel. We lost a couple of hens over this past winter to the same thing. The warm bath didn’t help them, either.
I’ve frequently kept a chicken in a cardboard box in the kitchen. My cat would studiously ignore it…
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss! I have loved hearing about dear Ethel and the other chickens. She will be so missed!
Oh, sad news. I’m sorry to hear it.
Oh no. I’m so sorry to read about Ethel. May she rest in peace.
I’m so sorry!