Grief

[Marykate22]

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.

Oh how awful. I know I’ll never forget this. It’s just terrible. I’m sorry that happened to you. We do love them so much it’s hard to se past grief when it’s all consuming. And he was an amazing guy. Thank you for your kindness and loving words

 

[RoyalChick]

Oh I am so, so sorry.
I know exactly how you feel - I have blamed myself for every chicken that has died in my watch.
But please don’t.
As others have said accidents happen. With time the guilt and grief will subside (though probably will never go entirely) and you can remember him for all the good times.
Don’t do anything hasty. That you care so much tells me you are absolutely NOT horrible at this.
Maybe the best way to honor his life is with all the other chickens you will care for in the future.
Think of a memorial for him - maybe name the coop after him, or plant a bush.
And in the meantime,

 

[Marykate22]

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.

Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience. It is just awful. I love them all so much. I know in time the pain will be a little less sharp. It’s just so massive right now. to you

 

[Marykate22]

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.

Thank you for your kind words. Being human in rough. Especially when we care so much. to you

 

[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!

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

 

[Marykate22]

Oh I am so, so sorry.
I know exactly how you feel - I have blamed myself for every chicken that has died in my watch.
But please don’t.
As others have said accidents happen. With time the guilt and grief will subside (though probably will never go entirely) and you can remember him for all the good times.
Don’t do anything hasty. That you care so much tells me you are absolutely NOT horrible at this.
Maybe the best way to honor his life is with all the other chickens you will care for in the future.
Think of a memorial for him - maybe name the coop after him, or plant a bush.
And in the meantime,

Thank you for your kindness and your words. You all have made me feel so much less a monster. I’m so happy I joined this community

 

[ChickyWhicky]

So so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to deal with loss and everyone grieves in their own way, but please do not blame yourself. As stated several times above, accidents happen and you did nothing wrong. Sounds like you are a very loving and caring chicken parent, please don't deprive your girls of a great home (with YOU!) because of an accident. I hope you can find a way to move past the grief, sending lots of good vibes & hugs your way.
There are lots of good roosters out there, I hope if you ever decide to get another guy that you find one who is just as lovely!

 

[Marykate22]

So so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to deal with loss and everyone grieves in their own way, but please do not blame yourself. As stated several times above, accidents happen and you did nothing wrong. Sounds like you are a very loving and caring chicken parent, please don't deprive your girls of a great home (with YOU!) because of an accident. I hope you can find a way to move past the grief, sending lots of good vibes & hugs your way.
There are lots of good roosters out there, I hope if you ever decide to get another guy that you find one who is just as lovely!

Thank you for your kind words. I’m trying to work through all the feelings and I am so grateful for this community and the support everyone has offered