We were shocked and saddened yesterday by the death of our beautiful ex-bat hen, Minnie.  It was so sudden and unexpected.  We’d been out for the day and came back to find her dead on the lawn with no sign of attack or struggle.  We can only guess that it was heart-related and hope that she didn’t suffer.

We got Minnie last year when we rehomed 4 ex-battery hens via the British Hen Welfare Trust.

From day one, she was a rather beautiful hen and clever too – she was the first to discover the high perch in her new home (which we soon named ‘Minnie’s Perch’).

She really bloomed into a gorgeous hen.  Her feathers turned a wonderfully rich chestnut and she became quite a size!  She was also very cheeky and loved jumping up onto the dustbin to peer into the kitchen window begging for treats.  I shall miss that so much.

It has to be said that Minnie wasn’t always the sweetest-natured of hens.  She could be pretty bossy with that beak of hers but, whilst our Alice was unwell, Minnie could often be found keeping her company in the coop.

I’m so glad that Minnie came into our lives and enjoyed her retirement as a free-range hen.  We’ll miss her so much.