Can someone explain what happened? What could I have done?

Quiobole

In the Brooder
9 Years
Nov 26, 2010
31
0
32
Houston
Yesterday one of my chicks was attacked by a cat at around 9 or 10AM. My dad was able to rescue it.

It had wounds on his head (a small scrape), right hip, and back (I think that's where the cat's tooth actually pierced his skin). We put neosporin on the wounds. We separated him from the other 3 chicks. They're two Buff Orps and the other one is his same breed.

He couldn't stand up at all and he kept his eyes closed for most of the time. Sometimes when he would flip over to lay on his other side, he would let out a shriek from the pain. He wouldn't drink or eat. He would sometimes eat when I gave him food out of my hand. To better take care of him, I let him sleep in my room.

Today he woke up worse, he would keep his eyes shut 98% percent of the time. He wouldn't eat or drink at all. I give him a little more of that ibuprofen. I used that syringe-like thing that's used to give infants liquid medicine, and tried to feed him yolk. I'm not sure if any actually reached his little stomach though...

Earlier today, at 12:20PM, he passed away...

As I was writing this, I held him in my left hand, and kept him close to my heart.

What makes my cry even more is that we bought the chicks in pairs. Since we bought them in pairs, they would always do things in pairs (both Orps together and these last two together). They would even sleep in the same pair! My heart just drops knowing that the other chick just lost her best friend. The worst part is, they were the youngest of the 4. Another thing that just kills me is that he was the only boy...

A few hours ago, when he was still alive, I brought the other chick inside so that they could be together; unfortunately for the last time... When I put them together, she would also keep her eyes closed and she would tuck her head behind her. I'm sure she knew what was happening...

Even though I only had him for 2 weeks, I feel as if I lost a really close relative. My heart is trully broken...

Just a few minutes ago, I buried him.

I've just registered to this forum today, just to see if someone could explain to me why he wouldn't want to eat or drink, why he died, and if there was anything I could have given him or something. Hopefully someone can help me get answers, and maybe even help bring some closure...
 
There wasn't anything you could do. More than likly, the bit from the cat and the force of the attack caused internal bleeding and damage so the chick was already dying. Sorry for your loss and WELCOME to BYC! The third chick will make buddies with the other two so don't worry too much about her.
 
Such a terrible experience for you! Be sad for your loss but he could have died of shock or from his wounds - it is awful for you and for your other chickens, you are such a thoughtful person putting the thoughts of your other chickens before your own emotions - please be assured that sometimes despite a wealth of experience ( not me I'm afraid) we cannot change the outcome/diagnosis.

In time you and your other chickens will have happier memories - one of my Donkeys died very suddenly Sunday and I am now having to console horses, donkeys, goats and chickens who all seem upset by the events... yes, as you say they too feel loss - I have to put their welfare before my own emotions - be strong for your babies!

My thoughts are with you
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Thank you so much! That's really something that I needed to hear.
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I'm sorry for your loss too. I used to have 3 dogs, but sadly they've all passed away. Unfortunately, it never gets any easier...
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But like you said, all within time. We will always have the memories.
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