Anyone else get discouraged

[Ab1010]

I feel like I've just been through it all with my last batch of chicks. First some died for no reason.. common. Then mine all got horribly sick, some died but I fixed it. And now a awesome predator has killed maybe 6 of them! I have three wounded and had to bury two this morning. Im so sad. I swore I had them protected and then I find this little hole something dug and bam. So many gone.. i just feel so awful.

 

[HappyClucker7]

That definitely is tough. I'm sorry for everything you had to go through. You just have to remember that everyone makes mistakes in the beginning. What's important is that you learn from them and keep going.

 

[Nicsbackyardchicks]

I can honestly relate to that feeling. My first week as a chicken keeper, two died the same day (suspected corri) and one had sour crop (fixed now). I suspect they came with the condition as had bloody poops and went downhill by day 2!
I have never had so much anxiety and cried so much.
Anyway, we vow as owners to keep them safe but we have to remember to learn and understand some things are out of control. As long as we try our best, then we can move forward with a clearer perspective.
Much love, Nic x

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Hang in there. I've been raising poultry for a while now, and have had many depressing and/or frustrating experiences...like losing most of my first free-ranging chicken flock to foxes and hawks...almost enough to make you want to throw in the towel. I didn't, though, and once I dusted myself off, I figured out how to keep my birds safe (aviary netting and fencing!). After the chicken losses, another fox picked off several of my Muscovy (who could fly), and left one so injured she died in my arms. Since I didn't want to limit their range, I rehomed nearly all of the ducks. And I once had coccidia in a group of juvenile chicks that took out more than half of them, most within a day or two (even with Corid treatment) of seeing bloody droppings. It's gutting.

I think you'll find even when you fix one set of problems, say security issues, there will be other problems - but it's important to remember how much you enjoy having your birds and that you're trying your best to keep them happy and healthy. Like @Nicsbackyardchicks said, maintaining perspective will help you get through the tough times. Take care.

 

[FloorCandy]

Ive had one chick from each hatch that seemed fine, and I move it to the brooder, and an hour later it’s dead for seemingly no reason, prey animals survive by casting a wide net so to speak. Animals that produce lots of offspring often have high mortality, even in the best circumstances. Plus when you keep prey animals you just have to do your best and learn from your mistakes. Predators have been stalking prey birds for longer than humans have been raising them, they’ve had a lot of time to perfect their methods. It’s hard and frustrating, but it gets better.

 

[TwoCrows]

 

[NightingaleJen]

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. It can and does happen to everyone. Just hang in there—don't let yourself become too discouraged.

 

[Ab1010]

Hang in there. I've been raising poultry for a while now, and have had many depressing and/or frustrating experiences...like losing most of my first free-ranging chicken flock to foxes and hawks...almost enough to make you want to throw in the towel. I didn't, though, and once I dusted myself off, I figured out how to keep my birds safe (aviary netting and fencing!). After the chicken losses, another fox picked off several of my Muscovy (who could fly), and left one so injured she died in my arms. Since I didn't want to limit their range, I rehomed nearly all of the ducks. And I once had coccidia in a group of juvenile chicks that took out more than half of them, most within a day or two (even with Corid treatment) of seeing bloody droppings. It's gutting.

I think you'll find even when you fix one set of problems, say security issues, there will be other problems - but it's important to remember how much you enjoy having your birds and that you're trying your best to keep them happy and healthy. Like @Nicsbackyardchicks said, maintaining perspective will help you get through the tough times. Take care.

I do love all the little birds! My main grown flock gives me hope. I was so on top of everything my first go around and didn't lose even one! This is my third round of chicks and I am learning so much thats for sure! The first time I had chicks they lived inside and were spoiled rotten. I guess I didn't know as much as I thought for raising them outside.

 

[Flockincrazy]

I think we have all been there at some point so sorry you have to deal with this. do you have any idea what the pedator was. the hot pepper trick has worked for me for years and my run i reinforced I dug a trench 2cinderblocks deep the cinder blocks are 2deep all the way around then layed welded wire down then put dirt then another layer of wire then sand grass seed then mulch and then put hot pepper goo all around my run and coop I have not had an invasion in a long time

 

[Ab1010]

I think we have all been there at some point so sorry you have to deal with this. do you have any idea what the pedator was. the hot pepper trick has worked for me for years and my run i reinforced I dug a trench 2cinderblocks deep the cinder blocks are 2deep all the way around then layed welded wire down then put dirt then another layer of wire then sand grass seed then mulch and then put hot pepper goo all around my run and coop I have not had an invasion in a long time

Wow. I never thought of hot peppers. I happen to have a supply of those right now from my garden! I will have to try that! I do want to get cinder blocks and put those around. I have no idea what got them. My dog was barking and trying to chase something off so I went outside and checked and couldn't find anything. I assume a raccoon.