Death in the family

[new to it]

Had a death tonight my friend came over with her kids for tea. She also brought her spaniels and hey ho you can guess what happened.Had seven kids in the house so had to ask my neighbour to dispose of it. Very kindly he is going to bury it in his garden.Now have the dilemma of what I tell the children don't really want to tell them their pet chicken was mauled by a dog. The worst part was she was so upset I had to be brave so I didn't make her feel worse. Tonight the coop is going to be a lonlier colder place for the two birds that are left.

 

[Alleyoops25]

Sorry to hear that happend. If you kids are four and up I would tell them, They are amazing little people. Besides kids have to get a concept of death. When I was little they kept me in the dark about death, and were scared it would hurt me. And they honestly told me that my animals ran away or they had to go live on another farm. I think this more harm than good because I was mad at my parents because they gave away my pets, or let them get lost. I think that had they told me the real story then at least I had a little closer. I cant tell you how many times I was out looking for my pets. And you if you set your kids down and tell them that thier chicken has died and explian it to them in a way they will understand then they will be more perpared if say a friend or family pass on.

 

[chickbea]

What a terrible thing to happen. I'm so sorry.
I agree also that you should be honest about death and what happened. You don't have to mention the full horror of what the dog actually did, but it is OK for kids to know that chickens are prey to many other animals and that this can happen. In the long run it will help them be good owners to any other animals they may have in their lives. it's never easy.
Do you know the poem "The Rainbow Bridge"? Many friends of mine have read it with their kids when they have lost a pet, and they say it helps. I'm sure you can find it online if you don't know it.
Good luck. It's an unfortunate thing you have to deal with.

 

[new to it]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.
These kinds of things happen alot when dogs and chickens mix...

 

[new to it]

TO CHICKBEA,
I HAVE JUST READ "RAINBOW BRIDGE" VERY MOVING THANKYOU

 

[CarriBrown]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. :aww
My parents were always very frank to me when it came to our pets passing on, and I believe it's the best way. They told me that animals go to heaven, too, and now they are up grazing, pecking, barking, chasing, or whatever in a big pasture in the sky.