Rainbow Bridge

*** Rainbow Bridge ***

Chickens are not associated with a long life span but believe it or not some can live to a ripe old age even reaching 10 years old and beyond, however an average "hybrid chicken that is bred purely for it's egg laying ability will see an average lifespan of around 2-4 years whilst your "purebred" chicken that doesn't lay as many eggs as your "hybrid" will see an average lifespan of 3-6 years and any chicken reaching 10 years and beyond is an exception to these averages. It's awful when we lose our chickens or beloved pets and we like to think they are going to a better place and that better place is called... "Rainbow Bridge". This is a lovely little poem for all to read and we hope that if you've lost a chicken or beloved pet recently that you can take some comfort from this.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Credit: Author Unknown

Disposing Of Diseased Chickens & Other Livestock

It's not nice when we lose a chicken (beloved pet or not) and it's not nice what comes next and that's how do we deal with or dispose of them after they have gone. Do we bury? bin? or burn?. There are certain Laws, Rules and Regulations to adhere to when it comes to disposing of your chickens or other fallen stock and we strongly recommend that you read this DOCUMENT of ours before disposing any of your chickens or other livestock as it will help you and give you guidance. (Pets are covered in our DOCUMENT too).

Where Can You Get Support & Counselling?

Losing a chicken and/or other pets can impact people in different ways and to some people a chicken or a pet is their only company, friend or companion. It can be a lonely world out-there and then to lose a chicken or pet which has been the only thing that's been getting them up in a morning or keeping them going can hit those people hard and some people need support and/or counselling after such an event. So here we are listing some invaluable links to get help and support if needed.

1. http://www.pet-loss.net/

2. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-support

3. http://www.petlosshelp.org/

Shall I Replace My Chickens / Pets Following A Loss?

For some people it is just too stressful to replace a chicken or pet following a loss but on the other hand some go straight out and replace the lost chicken or pet almost immediately. If you are going to replace a pet then please look into rescuing and please rescue a neglected animal who hasn't had the best start in life. If you are going to replace your lost chicken(s) then please look into rehoming some ex commercial chickens, they basically have had a life of misery in baron barns and cages with hardly any room to breathe let alone move. There are many many chicken rescue organisations all over the world where you can rehome chickens from usually just for the cost of a donation to the organisation running the rehoming. Here in our Hen Rescue Organisations DOCUMENT we list many of these rescue organisations and give you hints and tips on how to look after and care for rescued chickens.

Many thanks for reading "Rainbow Bridge" and thanks for stopping by this article.

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