All my chicks are dead...

I don't think I have fully processed this yet. But I just finished burying all 12 of my 6-week old bantam chicks in the corner of my garden. My husband found them dead in the run and coop, all with small amounts of blood on their breasts and under their wings. I found the access point where the poultry wire was all messed up with some wiry/ kinky white hairs stuck on the edges. I don't want to blame the neighbor's Jack Russel, but that dog has been a notorious demon on this street.

I'm so heartbroken though, and so angry, it feels like its all my fault, like I should have doubled and tripled on security though I already spent hours and hours going over every angle. And I still failed them. How do I even begin to start over. I can't imagine getting new chicks, I don't feel like I deserve them.

I am so sorry, that is horrible. Despite how much we wish we could, nobody can see the future... Not your fault.

I'm sorry for your loss. I suggest reinforcing(hardware cloth and welded wire fencing) and setting up a live trap outside your coop at night. What you do with the critter is your business. Sorry again.

:'(

Oh I am so very sorry. You must be heartbroken. I can only imagine that terrible feeling of loss and grief. Don't blame yourself. You tried your best. So, my suggestion is to give yourself some time before you decide that you don't want to get any new chickens. Let me know how you are doing.

Peaky said:

Oh I am so very sorry. You must be heartbroken. I can only imagine that terrible feeling of loss and grief. Don't blame yourself. You tried your best. So, my suggestion is to give yourself some time before you decide that you don't want to get any new chickens. Let me know how you are doing.

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Well, it looks like the cards have been dealt for me. I woke up late this morning to a peeping box at the end of my bed. My poor, sweet, traumatized husband felt so bad and sorry for me that he thought new babies would help so he snuck out to the feed store when they opened.




They made me cry all over, but I guess I have to put on a smile and get the brooder out again. He remembered 'bantams', so lord only knows exactly what these tiny things are. Hopefully, with another month, I can re-evaluate what went wrong and rebuild. Though I'll shoot that dog if I ever see it even look at my yard.

TattooedChicks said:

Well, it looks like the cards have been dealt for me. I woke up late this morning to a peeping box at the end of my bed. My poor, sweet, traumatized husband felt so bad and sorry for me that he thought new babies would help so he snuck out to the feed store when they opened. They made me cry all over, but I guess I have to put on a smile and get the brooder out again. He remembered 'bantams', so lord only knows exactly what these tiny things are. Hopefully, with another month, I can re-evaluate what went wrong and rebuild. Though I'll shoot that dog if I ever see it even look at my yard.

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Sounds like you've got a keeper. Them fuzzy critters have a way of healing your heart... Along with time, they're the best tonic there is. As for breeds, I see several OEGB & at least one golden sebright.

TattooedChicks said:

Well, it looks like the cards have been dealt for me. I woke up late this morning to a peeping box at the end of my bed. My poor, sweet, traumatized husband felt so bad and sorry for me that he thought new babies would help so he snuck out to the feed store when they opened.

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Awww.... that is the sweetest thing, what a nice man!!

Yep, fortify the run ....poultry/chicken wire will contain birds, but not predators.

Aww, what a guy!

Something to consider when fortifying your run might be a strand or two of electric fencing on the outside. Electric wire strongly discourages even the most persistent of critters.

bobbi-j said:

Aww, what a guy!

Something to consider when fortifying your run might be a strand or two of electric fencing on the outside. Electric wire strongly discourages even the most persistent of critters.

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Ditto Dat^^ and wouldn't it be wonderful to catch that little buttlicker learning about electric wire on a game cam vid?