Matilda

by Darryl
(Where I lay my hat)

...was not her original name...originally she had an Italian name which the owner was happy for me to change.

I was a volunteer and it was my first experience of really getting to know chickens personally.

Matilda collapsed and died one morning shortly after I had taken her to the garden. She was slowing down and had breathing difficulties.

She had had a good life but I still found it painful. At this time there was only Geraldine the duck who I had renamed and a cockerel called Cino.

I cried all day and had real bouts of sadness for some time. Cino had lost his last hen. On realising Matilda had gone he let out a noise of terrible distress, like a wailing banshee.

I pushed the host to get another chicken and spent all my spare time with Cino during this sad time. Eventually, I got my way and one evening collected a hen.

Tequila would sleep in the house that evening before being introduced to Cino and Geraldine in the morning. It felt like Christmas morning bringing Tequila to Cino and see all the life in him return.

In the pictures, Matilda is on the right, Geraldine the duck and cockerel Cino in centre, and crazy Tequila, the most curious hen ever who I could call by name, is on the left.

Princess Fuzzy Butt

by Kari K.
(Pennsylvania, USA)

She was a sweetheart. Just a tiny little chick with an upper respiratory illness. We got her through that and she grew up to be the spunkiest little chicken there ever was.

Her name was Princess Fuzzy Butt. She was the one chicken that I thought would make it to the end. I started with 12 chickens and now I’m down to three.

I don’t know how she died and she showed no signs of illness. She was 6 1/2 years old. I found her inside the coop yesterday.

I heard her crowing with the rooster yesterday morning, which she sometimes does but then when I didn’t see her later, I went looking for her and that’s when I found her.

We buried her and I want to put a marker there because she was the most memorable chicken I ever knew. She ruled her roost, as little as she was.

She was a Silkie. If I could say anything to Fuzzy Butt, it would be that I miss her more than I ever thought I could miss a chicken, and I’m sorry I didn’t check on her sooner.

Niblet, the beautiful Blue Laced Australorp

by Aja Lisbeth
(CT, USA)

Niblet was the first chick I saw at Tractor Supply this past April. In a sea of pullets, her grey and black ear markings were striking and she immediately stood out from the rest. I never had a chicken before but I knew the moment I laid eyes on that one day old fuzzy round head she was coming home with me.

It was cold here in New England, so we set up a spot in the laundry room for her and seven others under a heat lamp until the weather turned warm. My husband built a magnificent coop and run which they moved into in June.

Nibby was a bold and brave chick who grew to be polite and inquisitive. She enjoyed eating green grapes (not the red!), blueberries and hot dogs the most. She would even do little tricks and jump up to the window to get a snack. Her favorite things to do were follow people around for treats and pets, scratch up holes to lay in and nap in the sun. Sometimes she would be naughty and get into the neighbor's yard too. She would laugh when you caught her and tickled her under the wings.

Our very first egg was laid by none other than Niblet when she was 4 months old. My son Giovanni decided he would do the honors and crack it open and when he did it was a double yolk. It was truly eggcellent! She laid every day, the only hen who laid double yolks.

Last week I noticed her laying in the coop when the others went out to do their daily free ranging. I brought her back into the laundry room under the heat lamp to keep an eye on her. She did not eat or drink for two days. I realized that she was egg bound and gave her warm baths and tried everything to keep her alive. Niblet fought hard for five days.

On her last night we held her close and took turns snuggling her for hours by the campfire. Yesterday morning I buried her by one of her favorite spots and poured out a little seed. The other girls seem to know she is not there and seem to be sad too.

I am surprised that I am still so grief stricken. However, it was an absolute blessing to watch her grow. Our sweet Niblet was a truly beautiful bird.

Benjamin Rylee

by Sandra Rylee
(Iowa colony, Texas)

Benjamin came from a feed store for $15.00 and in a cramped cage. He was beautiful. He was very social and loved treats. He took care of his girls. He and the girls sleep in chicken corner in the house.

Not sure what happened – just a flurry of wing flapping and he was gone.

He was very loved and will miss him greatly. Love you Benjamin.💗

Here I raise my Ebenezer

by Olivia Grace Montalvan
(6600 Taylor creek loop nunnelly, TN USA)

Ebenezer died October 22.He was barely 5 months old.The flock was free-ranging under our goumi bush.

Thankfully I was not an eyewitness. A hawk swooped down and that was the end of Eben.

We buried him right under the goumi bush. I had 7 chickens left, and he was our only rooster. Quite frankly, my mom was relieved, 'cause she was dreading him becoming a mean rooster and having to put him down like our dog.

I feel like I’m not as sad as I should be.
He was a special chicken. When I would hold him on his back and sing to him, he would get sleepy and get a a special look in his eyes, like he remembered me. He was my second favorite.
Now no more free- ranging! We are making the run into a rustic chicken play ground savoring of the woods they loved to free range in.

I wish Eben could have lived to enjoy it. Perhaps Jesus will have a rooster for me in heaven just like Ebenezer.

Previewed by Suzanne Montalvan, mother

My Beautiful Feathered Chonk, Curry

by Tetel

You were my instant favorite. The moment I let you out of the box and into our backyard, I loved you already.

Too bad you were too shy and sometimes afraid of me. But despite that you were cheery, worked together with your sisters and had a special bond with Dougie the rooster.

I'm so sorry I failed you my round beautiful golden bird. I was so preoccupied with my own things, had to travel, got Covid... And then got overburdened with work. I really regret what happened. It was so fast, only a day and then you are gone. When I heard you cry your last, I felt guilty and afraid that it might be the end.

Hard lesson learned. Don't worry, I won't fail you my beautiful birdie. I will take care of your sisters and best friend Dougie. You remind me to always be mindful of those around me.

Dear Curry, my instant favorite. You filled me with love, joy, and hope. Things I didn't always have. I will treasure our short time together.

Hope angels have lined up to welcome you to the skies where you can fly with your small chonky wings .

Farewell Myrtle, my Eggcellent Chicken

by Lindy Fode
(Waukesha, WI)

We were given Myrtle in August of 2022. She and her friend Misty were both from a farm in which there were too many males, and they were constantly abused, losing many feathers and developing nasty scars and irritation.

They were to be culled very soon, so we took them in to care for until it got cold and the ratio of males and females were stable again. They weren't laying nearly as many eggs, and were now nearing their senior era. They would come back in the spring.

Myrtle loved dirt baths and watermelon. Right away, I noticed that Myrtle was flighty. She ran whenever I got within 6 feet of her, and hid behind Misty when they were in the coop.

I was dedicated to prove to her that I wasn't going to hurt her, that I loved her. I had never had chickens before this. While she was skittish around me, she was a happy chicken. She constantly made a nest under a tree in the shade, her favorite spot. That's where she will be buried with some planted myrtle.

We found her tonight curled up in the coop, very peaceful. We are not sure exactly what happened, but she was older and probably just died of natural reasons.

We read her the book of the next place and put her in a plush box. I hope she made it to the next place safely, and everything is just what she hoped for, maybe some endless grubs.

I hope she had a good life while it lasted with us. I loved Myrtle, we all loved Myrtle. Her feathers were just starting to grow back. They never got the chance to become full again, but she was beautiful.

I miss you so much already, Myrtle, and I hope to see you again one day. We will bury you in your favorite spot.

You will never be forgotten.

The tiny boss

by Valerie
(Plano, Texas, USA)

Amber was the name of my Rhode Island Red. She was so small, the smallest of my little flock of 6, but she was the boss. Even my big Jersey Giant, Nyx, bent to her.

She liked to be held and sit on my shoulder.

I had to move away and my dad took my ladies for me. He built them a massive coop and spoiled them. One day he called and said he found Amber dead.

Nothing was wrong with her, no injuries, no egg binding, no mites, nothing. She looked like she had died in her sleep even.

It broke my heart. I miss my ladies dearly and now my Amber was gone I felt like I was responsible. I had left her, I hope she didn't die from sadness.

She was only 4.

Loretta Lynn - my Buff Orpington

by Lynn Felts
(Abingdon, Virginia)

She was only 9 months old and was laying beautiful brown eggs. She was fine in the early morning and by mid day she had suddenly died.

I do not know why. But I gave her a good home with good clean food and water, shelter and lots of love.

I miss you.

Lucille

by Kelly Freemon
(Tennessee )

Lucille was 18 weeks old. She was born with a very severe crossed beak. It was so severe we didn’t think she would make it, but she was doing well. She just wouldn’t grow.

She stopped growing at 4 weeks, but her personality was huge. And even tho she was the smallest, she was at the top of the pecking order. No-one ever messed with her. All the rest of the flock loved her.

She was very feisty and wasn’t afraid to stand up to the biggest one in the bunch. She followed me everywhere in the yard. I’m sure she thought I hatched her myself!

The temperature here changed pretty drastically. It went from 80s in the day and 60 at night to 70 day and 40s at night. I did move her to a cage with a heat lamp, but I think the weather changes were just too much for her.

She only lived for 4 months but in that short time she was loved so much. She will be missed!

The Magical Nim

by Vanessa
(Mulloon)

Nim was a magical hen; she was about ten years old when she died. She survived being attacked by the flock she was born into and became great friends with my Silkie hen Weezy.

When Weezy passed we got two Isa browns and she outlived them as well. She spent the last few years on her own but we had great chats each day. She was clever and brave and so beautiful - a very fine black Leghorn. A very fine hen indeed.

I will miss her and our chats. I will just miss her; taking her her special lettuce, tomato and bread each day (no crusts when she was old). I will miss her pecking my hand as she ate sunflower seeds. And no more Nim grown tomatoes.

She was my last hen and it hurts so much. I feel like I am meant to have hens and now I have none.

Wake up in the sunshine Nim - now you will be able to see properly again and you will have all you ever wanted.

Thank you for being my dear magical hen - I love you.

Tyler

by Nyomi Diaz
(Durham, North Carolina)

My dear rooster... When I first had him from my incubator I fell in love with him and his personality and everything.

So once he got a bit older, that's when I saw all of his personality. He would chase me around the yard playing together and cuddling. He always greeted me every day after school.

He was a Buff Orpington. He was a very handsome rooster. He likes feet, he was very gentle and smart.

He died of natural causes. I really don't know exactly what happened because I was in school during the time he passed. It didn't affect my parents as much it did me I cried all night long. Everyone was like "it's just a chicken".

And Tyler, I really, really love you. I will never forget you everyday. I think of you every day. I pray for you, and no matter how much chickens I have, you will always be my favorite and my number 1. You have a very unique personality I never saw in other chickens I have.

Mommy will always love you. ❤

Henrietta The Fabulous hen!

by Tracey Donohoo
(Independence, Kentucky )

Henrietta was the most amazing chicken. I swear she understood me. I'd tell her time for bed, and she would go to the pen while looking back at me bawling as giving me some break! Lol!

She was protective of me, she would attack other hens if they didn't listen to me and fight me to get in the pen. At first it was a joke, but then I noticed she really was getting on them and protecting me. I'd be gone for the day, come home, pick her up and she would lay her head on my shoulder and bwak real low – like she was saying I love you and missed you!

She was killed by a hawk. My heart has been broken since. Some may think it's silly, that "it's just a chicken", but she was more than just a chicken. She was my friend. A friend don't have to be human or a dog or cat, chickens can make a great friend too.

Rest in peace, my sweet Henrietta. You are missed.

TooToo The Beautiful Loving Rooster

by Saaniya Jackson
(Delhi, India )

I lost my beautiful boy Tootoo yesterday evening 27th September 2022, at 5:30pm

He was all well this day, healthy and very active chasing me all over. But suddenly he started coughing at 5pm. I can see his comb and wattle turn purple and suddenly he passes away peacefully in our arms without struggle.

He was my world. I still can't believe he's no more.

He was 5 year 3 month old, so charming and daring – a fighter. He had a big huge comb due to his leghorn breed which we removed surgically in 2018. He loved his life, his box, his pink rugs and his food bowl with his glass.

He lived a happy long life, but it seems short when it comes to end. I feel bad, heartbroken and empty. He was my kid, my baby, my heart.

His memory and love live with me forever, and I know you will come back to me soon.

Tootoo, Son Of Saaniya Jackson.
16 June 2017 to 27th September 2022.

Cami and Safi

They were two of my best friends for nine years.

I saw them first time nine years ago. They always knocked on the door for food. When I was not feeling well, only they made me feel better.

3 months ago, Safi suddenly left us alone. When I went to visit her in the evening, she was lying on the ground and not moving. After that, Cami became a little depressed, but gradually she got better.

Today, when I went to visit her, I saw that she was bleeding. She couldn't even walk. I don't know what happened. 1 hour later, she left us alone.

Now that I am writing this, I am crying. I don't know how much she suffered.

They were always my best friends. I loved them very much. I will always miss them.

I will never forget you, Boo!

by April Conway
(Sault Ste Marie, Ontario)

Losing our pet Boo has turned our life upside down.

She had such a wonderful quirky personality. She would greet us at the door and do tricks for snacks. The constant chattering was so comforting and became something we got used to in our everyday life.

Her presence was always appreciated, and we always greeted her with joy. She bonded with our dog and cat and became a member of our internal household. She would always be company while cooking a meal or watching TV. She would always be sly in trying to snatch my jewels or my sandwich 🥪.

Boo was a travel companion and came with us on trips. She always brought joy to people when we went though the drive thru's! The loss of her has been absolutely horrible and we hoped this day would never come!

We love you Boo! Thank you for all the years of joy you brought us. You will never be forgotten. ❤️ You brought light into our dark lives!

Rest well and I hope to see you again!

LB3

LB3 was named after someone and he was the 3rd Laura B. He was actually a really funny chicken and really good at protecting our hens.

He was my baby and he let me hold him like one. He had a great personality. We raised him from a chick.

We've lost a lot of chickens but I have never been as sad when they died as I was when he did.

He really was our best chicken.

Memorial to the Magnificent Rooster Don T

by Daryl
(Belleville, MI)

As our first ever rooster, Donald was brought to our recently depleted flock of one Easter Egger hen named Chickalotta.

He came along with five young Rhode Island Red pullets, given to us by a local farm to help heal the loss of two of three hens (RIP to Goldie and Pasty Butt) to predators.

Seeing big Donald tower over all with his sturdy legs made my wife smile, even though it took some getting used to. Especially watching him mount the only breeding aged hen, our Chicklotta,who was indignant lol.

He became the protector, gentleman Adonis, and tidbitter extraordinaire to his flock.

When he missed role call this morning, he was found on the coop floor, his head inside the floor-level nesting box, with his beak in a puddle of broken egg. I found an egg-soaked downy feather in his throat..I wish had opened the coop earlier this morning.

You will be missed, Don T.

With love, Daryl, Eileen, Amy, Elias, Quintin ❤🐔🐣, and Kevo. 🐕

The babies I lost

by Faith
(VA)

I have lost quite a few chickens, and each hurt as much as the last.

I can't express the love I have to be able to show my love. I won't be told "it's just a chicken." I named each of them, and each meant something special.

So I just wanted to list the ones I have lost over the last couple of years...

Lavern
Colonel Sanders
Hei hei
BLM
Nugget
Lilly
Tumbleweed
Comet
Marshmallow
Pox
Criss cross
Mop head.

Susan

by Nyah Borski
(Colorado)

She was a sweet little chick. She was a Buttercup hen. I got her along with 5 others and she was a runt. I helped her get food and water as she was too weak to walk or stand.

Losing her to the common issue pasty butt was very hard.

I have her and my Easter Egger Veronica buried by a juniper on a quiet corner of my property.

I miss her every day, and I wish I could hand feed her just one more time. She had a little marking on her head that I look for in the clouds