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I need to talk so here goes. I don't know if anyone will see this.

I have a 'house hen' that has lived with me in my house (yes, crazy hey?) for nearly six years. She is my best friend. She is always there for me and now she is dying.

I'm not coping. No one understands. How could you care so much about a chicken? But I do.

So now, at the end after months of her being not quite right to OMG there's a problem to this isn't going to get better I am exhausted and cracking. So many vet visits. So many what if it's this so many let's try this med and let's try this natural remedy.

I'm sure everyone here has been down this road.

So now, end of life decision but... But, it's Christmas and the vets are frantically busy and I'm/we are just a number and no there are no appointments left and someone to the house is at least $500 minimum and it's two people not one and I don't want two strangers in my home and that's if I can find someone to come out and some want $800.

I don't know what to do. I wish it was like it used to be and people had time and cared. No one cares. Especially once you say it's a chicken. Is that because they eat chickens?

My girl is fading slowly. I want to help. I want to euthanize. I don't. I'm lost.

Just needed to talk.

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your feelings here. I’m so sorry to hear about your house hen. It’s clear she has been a much-loved companion, and your bond is something so special. Please know you’re not alone—many of us understand how deeply these relationships can touch our lives.

It’s heart-wrenching when you feel like others don’t understand or when practical challenges, like accessing veterinary care, add to your distress. If you can, try speaking to your vet again to see if alternative options seem more manageable.

I also wanted to invite you to join The Ralph Site’s private Facebook group. It’s an active, compassionate community where you can share your feelings and be supported by others who truly understand the pain of pet loss. You don’t have to face this alone. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theralphsite/.

Please take care of yourself as much as you can. Your love and dedication to your hen are clear, and I hope you can find moments of peace together during this difficult time.

Sending you strength.

Shailen

Thank you Shailen. I love my girl so much. I keep thinking how do I go on without her? I panic. It's a roller coaster ride that has been going for a long, long time. I'm exhausted.

I am scared to contact my vet. I have other animals. I'm scared of alienating her. Asking too much. Always asking favours. I had two vets until last month at two different practices but one of them retired. I cried for 3 days solid. He had been my vet for 24 years. Now it's all up to one vet.

I'm rambling. Sorry. Thank you again for answering. I will join the FB group now.