I would like to welcome our newest guests and thank all our loyal and regular readers for sharing your kind words and inspirational thoughts.
We have been busily preparing for the most exciting time of the bunnies year (Easter of course) but in our rush and frenzy of activity we did not realise our very dear friend Belle, was drawing her journey here on earth to a close.
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| RIP our beautiful girl, Belle |
It was her time, to cross over the bridge and reunite with all her friends past....
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| From "Battery Cage" to "Fairy Castle" - Belle was truly our gift, to show us the brighter side of life xx |
- Belle, together with Ariel came to live at Fairy Castle Farm two years ago. She was in her third year of life.
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| Closest to the front, Belle, how we remember her, happy and free. Behind her are two of the chicks from eggs She and Ariel laid that Tinkerbelle hatched. Yes she even got to become a mum!! |
Learning to perch, to accept freedom and space to roam, these things did not come naturally to her.
Belle amazed us - once a shy, sad and featherless 'battery' hen she transformed into a stunning and proud yet gentle lady. Fresh air, fresh food, wriggly, juicy worms and best of all... the glorious dust-bath suited her perfectly!!
Belle weaved a very tender and warm space in all our hearts the very moment she stepped into our lives. We love her so much and will take good care of her girl, Princess Harry, now she has joined her dear friends over Rainbow Bridge.
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| Here is
Belle's daughter - "Princess Harry" (yes she has a boys name... don't ask), Just as sweet and cheeky as her beautiful mum - |
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
We loved your gentle nature,
We miss your sweet morning greeting at the castle gates
We loved your eagerness to forgive the evil side of humanity,
We miss your boundless zest for life
We loved smiling so hard while watching your daily dust bath bliss,
But most of all -
We love and miss you,
Belle
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
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| Her flock led by General Hudson, a bit lost without their Belle, today - They each sung their "sad song" as she made her way over Rainbow Bridge |
Fly free and please give all our love to Buddy, Blossom, Wilbur and Chester who will all be waiting for you over Rainbow Bridge ~ *wipes tear* Sweetie, and all the Residents at FCF ♡
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| Rest In Peace, Belle :'( |
5 comments:
I'm so sorry :( She was beautiful
I give my condolences.
Did she live to old age? What is the normal life expectancy of a chicken?
Thanks Lisa xx
Hi Jason,
Thank you. We actually don't know for sure how old Belle was, sadly. We rescued her from a fodder store who was set to 'dispose' 70 of the 100 'broilers'. They had only paid for 30 hens but took delivery of 100 which the farm did not want back. All we were told they had completed their year of lay. Belle and Ariel were in the group to be destroyed. We wanted to take more, but at the time were unable to house more than four (we already had Tink and Pox). So at a guess we think she lived to about 5years old. Because of her life (if you can call it that) prior - we are thinking she probably did okay making it this long. Up until 2 weeks ago she still laid on average 5 eggs a week, only breaking during her moults. Uncharacteristically her last two eggs were almost white and very large, she normally laid dark brown and sometimes speckled eggs. She was an Isa Brown (possibly mixed with Hi Line) and their normal life expectancy is 5-8 years. It is my understanding that the smaller the breed (ie bantams) the longer they live I have know chickens to live in excess of 15years.... egg production drops off right off usually after their 3rd... hope this helps. Take care, Yollie (the human)
Yollie I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad you gave those chickies such a good life after battery cage life.
thank you Lisa xxx
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