Old Faithful

[REDCHEQHEN]

We have an old cock bird - he's 17 now and not settled here, he was my husband's pride and joy with 6 x 1st's - the majority from Melton Mowbray - and has the nickname 'Pork Pie', when he was 2 years old he was stolen - and returned to the loft minus his life ring. He was in the stock loft - but no longer filling eggs he was put in the geriatric wing where the other retired cocks are (they're only 13 years old though ) they fly out every day - so he had to be put in a basket every time they went out. But he has been getting picked on and for the last week has been kept in a box in the shed - it's a widowhood box - not a cardboard box! He looks his age, he really does look old and decrepid, he has arthritis, struggles to get to a perch etc! The 13 year olds are the picture of health and look 10 years younger - probably because they exercise regularly

We have a 14 year old hen - and several 11 year olds, are we too sentimental?

[andy Burgess]

great to hear

[greenbar]

They've done nothing wrong,just got old,

[DJWa]

ive 2005 hen flys out with the old birds (retired at 9 years old )

 

a good racer in her time and deserves a perch till she passes

[Pinefield Doo Man]

You don’t keep a bird that length of time if it hasn’t earned its perch

[easygaun]

We have an old cock bird - he's 17 now and not settled here, he was my husband's pride and joy with 6 x 1st's - the majority from Melton Mowbray - and has the nickname 'Pork Pie', when he was 2 years old he was stolen - and returned to the loft minus his life ring. He was in the stock loft - but no longer filling eggs he was put in the geriatric wing where the other retired cocks are (they're only 13 years old though ) they fly out every day - so he had to be put in a basket every time they went out. But he has been getting picked on and for the last week has been kept in a box in the shed - it's a widowhood box - not a cardboard box! He looks his age, he really does look old and decrepid, he has arthritis, struggles to get to a perch etc! The 13 year olds are the picture of health and look 10 years younger - probably because they exercise regularly

We have a 14 year old hen - and several 11 year olds, are we too sentimental?

Yes but so am I.I also have a 17 yo cock,14 yo hen,2 10 yos,2 9 yos, 2 8 yos,which take up space, but I am getting on a bit myself and wouldn't like my neck twisted.

[THE FIFER]

its hard to get rid of the old faithfuls

[REDCHEQHEN]

In 2007 as a 2 year old he was 3rd club, 9th fed 1887 birds, 192nd combine Folkestone 24199 birds and 2 weeks and 4 days later after 5 days in the basket he was 13th UNC Lillers 19069 birds - photo taken half an hour ago - one of the 13 year olds

[Wiley]

He looks a lot better then you described him Sue....looks a Bonny pigeon and I don’t think he looks his age at all I’ve seen many pigeons that do look and handle their age upto 23 years old

[REDCHEQHEN]

Sorry - that's one of the 13 year olds! I'll wait until the 17 year olds battered wattles look a bit better before I take a photo!

[Roland]

once related a story on here how I cried, several times when a fantastic clever Labrador *expletive removed* I owned. So sad when got Cancer of the brain.

She lost all doggy sense, though could still actively response to commands.

Third time at vets he said 'Well we can keep him going another 2 years or so ….'. Why. She had no empathy of a good life and I suffered with my empathy for her. In all honesty, I decided it would be cruel, even with best intentions merited and selfish to keep her like that! With no quality of life. Step Daughter had to take her … I have a great painting of her, and her 12 years later I still miss her, but I remember the great times and enjoyment I, and I'm sure she had too. Yes obviously she would have been gone a long while back now, but I miss her, and am more than glad I did the right thing by her. Yes and what she deserved … suffering ended.

 

There, I have tears in my eyes again … But a warm feeling inside.

Edited June 17, 2018 by Roland

[Kyleakin Lofts]

Great to hear about these "old faithfuls", but your problem is keeping him safe from the other cocks whilst also allowing him some company. Is there an old hen who can keep him company and do you have the space?