Feel worse than horrible...lost my first bird due to my own stupidity

[SOchick]

 

[VTGIRL]

My eyes are welling! So sorry for your loss. I can't imagine losing one of my babies. But I know some day.......I'm not that niave

 

[Nostalchic]

Hey 1stepcloser, I'm in the same boat, feeling very guilty and disappointed. Didn't carefully count my chickens when they came in at dusk, one was still out and my young dog must have been unable to resist a flustered, upset bird running around trying to get into the run, and "played" with her, breaking her neck. I think. Only have circumstantial evidence (black feathers in Valla's mouth, and looking very pleased with herself - though not for long!) It was sad and discouraging, because I was just getting to trust the dogs. BUT, this death of ONE chicken is going to be the salvation of the many, because 1) I will always make sure that ALL chickens accounted for when I close up the fort, and 2) I will never leave the dogs out with the chickens unattended.
Remember: good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment... alas!