Chick drowned in water dish

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zowieyellowflame

zowieyellowflame

Songster
10 Years
Jun 11, 2009
466
1
129
Nova Scotia
Oh, I'm so sad. Enjoying friday night, watching tv, having a nice dinner. Husband checked on hens and chicks just 3 hrs ago. I asked how the mom and 8 four day old chicks were, if they were ok? He said they were doing great, indoors, outdoors scratching around, having a great time.
I went out just now and found one dead in the big chickens water dish. I have a small waterer for the little ones and a plastic dishpan from the dollar store for the big ones. Whenever there are chicks, I put 2 large rocks that protrude out of the water. I always figured that if one got in, it would find its way to the rock and live. But it did not. I am so sad. Always feels worse when you feel responsible. I always worry each day I go to work if they will be ok. This one died when I was just 40 feet away. If only I had gone out earlier I might have found her before it was too late.
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:hit:hit:hit
 
I took the big bowl out and put in one of the jars with the red bottoms that screw on. Mine are seramas and are very tiny. I also read to put rocks in the bowl (like fill it up with rocks and the chickens can drink the water through the spaces in the rocks).
 
I'm sorry. I know the feeling...but don't hurt about it. Please things happen.. But you know what to do next time. OK? They are creatures that need to learn too.. very hard for us thought...I am sorry...
 
So sorry. When I first started I did not have a pen/coop yet so I put the 4 baby chicks in a dog kennel. This kennel stayed in the shop at night to protect them from predators (large birds, cats, raccoons etc.). Well one night at around 11pm i remembered that I did not shut the door to the shop. Eventually I fell asleep and forgot to shut the door. I woke up the next morning and did my daily routine. Made coffee, watered my garden and went to go let my chicks out. When I got there it was a horrible mess
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. Something got a hold of 3 out of 4 chickens.

I know I felt horrible! I think what I did was way worse
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. I hope you feel better and try not to be so hard on yourself.
 
Aww.... Thanks everyone. I really thought the rocks were enough. I gauged my success on my past 2 chick seasons. Not a single chick lost to drowning so my big rocks sticking out must be the solution. But.... maybe not a single chick jumped in before now. I will continue with my giant rocks but I am adding more so that there is not a square inch over their heads. The big hens will drink between the boulders. Christina, that must have been horrible!! I have gone out to check the doors late at night after they are all locked up. (tonight included) I am so scared I will forget!
I feel like the Momma is upset. I am not sure she could be, but she seems to be sad and especially protective. I guess not though. If a chicken is not smart enough to nudge, pull or lure a chick to a rock that is drowning inches away, then I guess she is not smart enough to be sad for too long.
 
Quote:
Well, true. But I just feel stupid. I have lived, I have learned, I just learned wrong I guess. Makes me feel sick.... little guy died because I was stupid. I named him bernie. (just now) He was all white. (yellow) Another problem I think was the rocks were in the center. he likely tried to get out of the edge where his mom called. I should have put the rocks there. Sigh. Many more rocks tomorrow. It will be a container of rocks with some water in it.
 

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