All chicken owners PLEASE READ UPDATE page 3

[yotetrapper]

I'm not a new chicken owner. I've had hens for over 5 years now, not long, but not new either. Every night when I am home, I do check to make sure everyone is in. It was between locking them up in early afternoon (3pm) or not. Had I not seen them go in earlier in the day when it rained, I would have locked them in, but, since I did see them, I just figured they would. Now I know better.

I just went out to check on them, I didnt want to. In all honestly figured they would all be dead but for 6-8. I was pleasantly mistaken. I had miscounted the dead last night, as of last night, there were only 4. This morning, there were three more, for a total so far of 7 dead. 5 are still in serious condition, 2 of which I doubt will make it, the other three I dont know. But, everybody else was all fluffy, fine and running about like nothing happened!! Last night I would of guessed total losses of over 25, now that's down to 10 or so. Not good, but better than I'd hoped.

In have to leave for work again here in an hour. I fed and watered them and they all rushed over to eat and drink except for the 5. The 5 are still under the light.

This was a horrible mistake I wont make again, but hopefully it saved someone else's birds....

 

[cslosberg]

Thanks for sharing. It reminds us all to be vigilant in our chicken care. No matter how long someone has had chickens (and I've just completed one full year) we can always learn something from one and another's experiences. I hope your remaining chicks pull through.

 

[KristaBeth]

Thanks for the heads up. I hope your other little ones make it.

 

[noodleroo]

I'm very happy that your loss is less than originally thought. Its a good lesson for all of us; new and not so new...

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

That is heartbreaking

I am very glad more are going to make it, hoping the 5 maybes pull thru and are nice and strong.

 

[KKatknap]

I appreciate the post very much.
I always tend to err on the side of caution, and my DH is the opposite. I would want to put them in early if I'm leaving (and sometimes do), he would say it's "too early" and "poor chickies". I have given in to the pressure occasionally, because I know it will probably be ok. Thank you for reminding me why I am cautious, and giving me a reason to continue to be firm.

I hope your little weak ones pull through for you. I can only imagine how heartbreaking that was to find.

 

[Ms. Cluckingly]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I know it was hard to write.

 

[biddybird]

Sorry for your loss, they are just like kids at that age, don't know when to come in or wear a jacket.

 

[yotetrapper]

Fortunately, only one of the 5 I was unsure of this morning didnt make it. The other 5 made it.

 

[LindseyM12]

Quote:

Thats great!