Did I make the right decision?

[KerryC]

The way you worded things in the beginning, I thought the end of your story would be that you butchered her, I was thinking noooo! Just rehome her! Which I now know you did!

I think you made an excellent decision, especially considering that you tried just about everything prior!

It is unfortunate that the people who took her haven’t responded to your messages yet. I’d be a little upset too!

But I’m sure she’s well and happy thanks to your decision!

It takes time for chickens to adjust to change, but all will be well soon!

Don’t be so upset! You did the right thing!

Thank you for your response, I'm feeling more content with my decision with everyone's insights and learning from them to. I feel loads better concentrating on things I can do for these girls to make them happy now.
Maybe one day I'll get to hear how Ms Dixie Doo is

 

[KerryC]

You did the best for everyone; wishing that they would get along just didn't work, and you did try.
Having her injured, and everyone stressed all the time, isn't better.
Mary

Thanks Mary, I appreciate your kind words. I really did try everything and my stress might have been affecting them to.

 

[DiYMama540]

Aww don't be sad! You did what any good chickie mama would do! Hate that Noodle passed also...but there's always plenty more birds in need of a good home!

 

[slordaz]

Never an easy thing to do, but it shows what a good flock master you are even though it's hard and hurts the chickens are better off . Really sucks though the person that took your beloved Dixie in doesn't respond.
I have given people chicks and had to rehome some extra roosters that hatched and grew up here, that I sent their hens with them and still get updates on them if I ask, just like the Rooster I took in as my main flock rooster in the beginning 2 years later I still send pictures to his previous owner that had to rehome him and of his offspring to help her out.
Just find peace in you did what was best for them

 

[TwoShepherds]

Sounds like you made the right decision. You have to protect the welfare of the whole flock. Your remaining chickens will adapt. I expect it is probably harder on you than the chickens.

 

[KerryC]

Sounds like you made the right decision. You have to protect the welfare of the whole flock. Your remaining chickens will adapt. I expect it is probably harder on you than the chickens.

It most definitely is! I was sitting outside having coffee with them this morning at sunrise, bawling my eyes out and asking Thatcher to forgive me as she had been looking for Dixie... Speckles while look was, "well we haven't heard these sort of noises from her before" ...

 

[KerryC]

Thank you, I have just done a thorough coop and run clean, put in fresh potted lavender and rosemary, iced water and cold watermelon, called them back in and offered them a drink of cold water from the jug (something they all queue to do)
Speckles was hesitant and Thatcher clearly has lost her trust in me. Slightly gutted. Hopefully quiet chats and lullabies and treats I'll win her back.
I appreciate your response, thank you

I've just realized, of course Thatcher doesn't trust me... she was 1 of 3 baby chicks we first bought home. Nando and Nugget ended up being roosters and our council doesn't allow roosters. So at 8 weeks old, a farmer collected them to join his flock... of 300 hens and roosters! So she lost her brothers and now one of the bantams that came to keep her company. (She doesn't miss Noodle, she pecked Thatcher's head open when she arrived. )
We've had a year of drama and many stories to tell.
I knew nothing about chickens and it's been a quick rollercoaster of learning.
Love my girls, present and past.

 

[slordaz]

it can stress them out for a bit , My flock when 2 of their flock mates left took about a week to settle back into normal. Extra attention and treats they seem to get over it faster.

And I obviously need more coffee lol

 

[MaryJanet]

At least Dixie is not too far away. Maybe you can visit her sometimes.

 

[KerryC]

it can stress them out for a bit , My flock when 2 of their flock mates left took about a week to settle back into normal. Extra attention and treats they seem to get over it faster.

And I obviously need more coffee lol

Thank you for that. Gives me an idea of what to expect. I'll continue Vetrx at night as well I think.