Do you ever get over losing a "favorite" bird?

[lengel]

We've been dealing with a raccoon and I know what I have to do but I think Gramma took it on last night because she had plenty of protected space but it got her under a fence in a small space between two logs. Which means she had to have stuck her head down there to go after the raccoon. In any event, lack of self-preservation aside, I was really upset about it. And I really didn't think I should be after all this time. She was a nasty piece of work with a whole lot of personality - enough to think she could take on a raccoon anyway. I really liked her.

I thought I had gotten over chicken deaths. I've become much more clinical about it over time and it helps me address issues as they come up instead of getting upset but holy cow, I was unhappy about losing Gramma.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I'm sorry for your loss.

There are places in the heart that are meant to hold lives, and cannot be filled by any other. We lost our first bird almost 2 years ago and I still find myself wondering, "What if...?" And we had our first raccoon attack not too long ago. The bird we lost was not 'my baby' but I still miss her a great deal. You never really know what you have until it's gone.

To answer your question, never.

 

[GrandmaAnn]

I am sorry for your loss.

 

[chickenzoo]

Do you ever get over the loss of a special chicken, no, but it does get easier.............

 

[Criskin]

I think the old adage "Time heals all wounds" has something to it. It does get easier. I grew up on a farm so for the most part I, too, am very clinical about losses but last year I lost my favorite hen and it still makes me sad to think upon it. I just never got quite that attached to another chicken in my flock and eventually I sold the entire flock because I had gotten so sick that I had trouble cleaning the coop and, at the same time, just didn't find the same joy in them. I've decided to get a few more again and am hatching out some eggs. I have to admit to myself, though, that I'm hoping somewhere within those shells is another little Oggy. Just don't give up hope! I truly believe that in every species, be they chickens, dogs or even people, there are those who are different and special. When you lose one it is sometimes hard to believe you'll ever find another but it can happen! So sorry for your loss.

 

[punky rooster]

I lost my favorite roo to a racoon 2

 

[lengel]

Thanks everyone. I go out back and am still looking for her. I keep hoping I was wrong.

 

[Afrochicken]

i lost my poor polish chick, Chirpy to my dog. She was my favorite

wouldnt have happened if i wasnt at my dads...

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

We lost our favorite hen Friday to a predator and I think I cried for 3 straight hours. I slept poorly Friday night between bouts of tears during the night. It's better now, but I'm not sure having the chickens will ever be the same.

To know that she will never come running with her wings akimbo when I call her name, that she won't be bowling the others out of the way when she sees me with treats....it just breaks my heart.

And this is from someone who is not an overly emotional person....

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

I lost my favorite hen to a careless worker, and I have gotten over it, but I cried like a baby when she died.