Grief

[Marykate22]

I am beyond upset. I thought my rooster Conway was taken by a hawk on Thursday. We called and called. Shook treats. Looked in trees. Today (Sunday) when I let my girls out I bumped into a large bowl from tractor supply that i got for dust baths. I immediately saw his tail feathers. Apparently it had fallen on him. Probably in search of treats. I never thought to lift it. I just didn’t know. He died so horrifically. I will probably never sleep again. I loved him so much. He trusted me. He followed me everywhere. I think I should rehome my girl’s. I am horrible at this

 

[Sussex19]

I'm so sorry, but please don't blame yourself. Accidents happen, and it wasn't your fault.
Give yourself some time before doing anything with the hens, and see how you feel then.

 

[kcan2]

We love these birds and do everything we know to do best for them. Don't let a circumstance dictate to you where you know your heart is - in the right place! Hugs to you - I know your precious boy wouldn't blame you, either.
BTW - there are many many many roosters out there desperately in need of a good home - maybe you can save a new guy!

 

[Happy hen lover]

Oh honey I'm so sorry we have all had accidents. It's not your fault that's why it's called an accident. And if course it had to happen to the great chicken!. I once put some fly bait down to catch flies and our dog accidently got into it! So I can identify with your guilt. We all LOVE our chicken so much that it makes it hurt worse. Sorry again.

 

[samanthaoverton]

I'm so sorry for your loss...don't do anything hasty. No chicken keeper is perfect. The fact that you're blaming yourself so much and taking it seriously proves YOU LOVE YOUR FLOCK. This situation could happen to any of us. I had a situation where I blamed myself with a small silkie. She had mites and I didn't know it till it was too late. I made up for it with my other girls. Made sure they were cared for. This seems sad but this situation will make you a better chicken keeper..you will watch your chickies even more..I'm sorry you lost your gentleman..but know you're not alone in your loss. And we have all blamed ourselves and you are no worse than any of us..only human.

 

[Callender Girl]

I'm very sorry about your rooster, but you are not at all "horrible at this." It was an accident that could have happened to any one of us.

But I understand your reaction; when I left a coop door open ONE night, a mink killed three of my four original hens. And, I was sure I was the worst chicken keeper ever, that I didn't deserve to have chickens.

That was years and many chickens ago. Your rooster is gone, and you rightfully miss him terribly. But so do your girls. They will be unsettled, and rehoming them will be even more stressful.

Your boy sounds like he was amazing. Mourn him, but don't let guilt keep you from enjoying the joys that chickens can bring. Take care of your girls; do it for him.

 

[Nyhillbillies]

I do know how you’re feeling, as do the folks who have responded to your tears! Please please don’t do anything hasty! Know that ultimately, GOD is in control & Everything happens for a reason. We might not ever know why it happened but something very good is going to come from it.

 

[Marykate22]

I'm so sorry, but please don't blame yourself. Accidents happen, and it wasn't your fault.
Give yourself some time before doing anything with the hens, and see how you feel then.

Thank you. It’s just so awful

 

[Marykate22]

I do know how you’re feeling, as do the folks who have responded to your tears! Please please don’t do anything hasty! Know that ultimately, GOD is in control & Everything happens for a reason. We might not ever know why it happened but something very good is going to come from it.

Thank you for that. Everyone here has been so kind and loving in their responses.

 

[Marykate22]

We love these birds and do everything we know to do best for them. Don't let a circumstance dictate to you where you know your heart is - in the right place! Hugs to you - I know your precious boy wouldn't blame you, either.
BTW - there are many many many roosters out there desperately in need of a good home - maybe you can save a new guy!

Thank you for your kindness and understanding.