Craigslist trade - failure

[StupidBird]

I'm an idiot! A soft hearted, spineless idiot!

Well, the roosters had to go. But the hens in trade aren't moulting, they are rooster shredded and full of mites. And have some have spurs? I'm tempted to have someone dig a deep hole and end their misery. What a stench! I've bathed them, put them in isolation in a dog kennel, scoured my foot wear and dumped clothes in the laundry.

What is the point when 'rescue' birds aren't worth it? I've given strict instructions that no one is to go near that area until I decide what to do. Red bare skin, scabs, wild disposition. Not underweight though.

I just want to kick myself to the moon. I was supposed to be getting rid of problems, NOT getting worse ones!

 

[al6517]

Quote:
Don't be so hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. I do agree that sometimes we have good intentions that go bad. I am not a rescue fan and have never met a "rescuer" that even had a clue how to care for rescue animals. although I am sure there are some out there. I am not saying your one of them I just simpithize for troubles your having, and your thinking and kicking yourself in the pants for putting what you worked so hard for in such danger by taking these scoundrels in. Good luck to you.

 

[StupidBird]

Well, maybe it'll all look better in the morning. The rest of the family got home just after the birds were all bathed, and DH just about p'd himself laughing - they look pretty naked.

Honestly, without my proper eyeglasses on, I can't tell if the specs washing off were different dirt or moving mites. I will look again in the morning; I have all the meds for everything. These are a breed really wanted, we'll just have to see. If the ones with spurs turn out to be roosters, then that pen's ratio of roosns was equal or more roos than hens - which would have resulted in massive feather on backs, necks?

The dog kennel is on the other end of our lot, where the chickens never were nor will be allowed. I heed the warnings on BYC for quarantine. I've dosed their water, dusted their butts and bedding, and will see just how bad they are over the next few days. I'm tired.

 

[LeezyBeezy]

Good luck!! And remember karma, surely these little birds will make you smile (at some point)!

 

[the4heathernsmom]

Take a deep breath....It will be ok. Maybe it won't be such a bad thing after all. Give it a few days and keep medicating them....who knows how they were treated maybe they will calm down with some tlc. You are right to quarantine them though.....I am sorry for ya but maybe it will turn around into something good!!!

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Don't call yourself things like that.

It's better to be soft hearted than hard hearted. I'm an animal compassionate person, if I see one in pain I would take it in and try my best to help it. Good job so far! You might try some DE for the mites.

 

[speckledhen]

Since they are safely in quarantine, just give yourself time to assess them. If you see any sign of respiratory illness, you can cull at that time, but hopefully, they just have mites/lice and malnutrition. I wouldn't give them any antibiotics at all because that may mask symptoms that you need to see. Do dust for lice/mites and worm them all.

 

[Wisher1000]

If you posted the beginning of the story, I missed it. Sounds like it maight be interesting, though. What did you trade? What are they supposed to be? What did the CL ad say? Just curious, about the background and would LOVE to see some before pics. Later, you can show the after pics of your beautiful CL lucky finds! C'mon, it'll be fun!

 

[horsekeeper]

SB, this happens to me with dogs, cats, and horses. Animals come to you because they need you. Whatever the outcome they came to you for a second chance and it sounds like you are providing that with porper care and kindness. Sometimes you don't get what you want, you get what you need.

 

[Squishypuff]

been there, done that, with horses. I agree, they come to you for a reason. Good luck with them, and bless you for taking them on!