How to manage my sadness? Lost my chicken yesterday :(

[Toi-toi]

Dog got in to fenced in chicken yard and killed one of my chicken

I know someday somehow, I will lose them but so sad.
I would understand that IF fox or hark get my chickens for their meal, because that's what nature does.
But dog???? Chased my chicken around and bite to kill than leave... Not for meal, just for fun??
I got 5 left but every time I see them, I cry.
Just sad, sad, sad....
Don't know what to do!

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

I haven't lost any of my adults but I did receive a shipment of dead chicks last week, and one of my week-old chicks is fighting for her life right now. it's very sad and I've spent a lot of time crying lately.

can't imagine losing one of my adults. i brought most of them up from baby-hood.

so sad. I feel for you. hugs.

 

[BlackBrookPoultry]

Just make sure the dog doesn't get in again and be happy he only killed one. I have lost my whole entire flock twice! Once to a mink and once to a fire. Both times I could have prevented it. Just do the best you can to take care of the others.

 

[sourland]

Get pro active. Find the owner of the dog and notify them. Notify animal control. Fortify your coop and run because that dog will be back.

 

[terrilhb]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain is terrible. In Oct we lost 12 of our hens due to a dog attack. It only killed them did not eat any. I still miss them. Take time to grieve it will take time. The pain eases after some time. You will always remember them and miss them. Someone posted this on my page when my cat passed last month. It helped me I hope it helps you Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
X2. Sorry for your loss Toi-toi.

 

[Toi-toi]

Quote:
X2. Sorry for your loss Toi-toi.

I just called animal control in town. No dog issue reported yesterday.
The foot prints came from street. My right side neighbor has big dog but it fenced in and foot print didn't come or go to her house.
Left side neighbor has big dog, too. He has electric fence but he was at my backyard once last summer.
But foot prints stopped at my drive way which is no snow.
So can't follow up more....

Thanks for all hugs. I'm with tears with 'rainbow bridge' story.
I hope she has wonderful fun life even it was short one.

Other girls are locked in to the coop today.
I will let them out when I'm with them.
I know they don't like it but better than sorry.

 

[AnaD]

Quote:
I agree. The best way to work though your sadness is by being proactive and prevent it from happening again.
Good luck to you and you chickens! Sorry for your loss.

 

[axion_lotus]

So sorry for your loss. Maybe you could get one of those cameras people have been putting in their chicken houses lately?

I don't know what they're called, but they monitor your coop and yard and maybe if the dog comes back you'll be able to identify it and take necessary action after that.

Just a suggestion.

Good luck with the rest of your flock. I hope they stay safe and healthy for you.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Quote:
X 4 and more! I am so sorry for your loss, these chickens have a way of capturing your heart. Not everyone knows this or will understand your grief, but we here on BYC certainly do.

Let your Animal Control know that there WAS a "dog issue" yesterday and you're reporting it now. If you saw the animal give them the details, take photos of the tracks, look for dog hairs caught in the wire of your coop (identify its color, length, texture), play CSI: Poultry.

Once you've figured out how the dog got into your coop fix that probem & fortify the rest. Then very nicely, in a non-accusatory way, let your neighbors know that "a" dog came on your property and killed one of your pets. Let them know you've fortified your coop and ask for their help keeping dogs out of your yard. That would include making sure their own dogs were kept confined as well as alerting you if they see another dog going towards your coops. Of course your flock's safety is your responsibility, but it helps to have extra eyes watching out for them.

It truly is more sad to lose a bird to a domesticated dog that uses them for toys rather than to a hungry wild animal. But with keeping chickens we live & we learn, and often have to learn the hard way. You provided a nice existence for that hen and her loss will benefit the others by inspiring you to make their coop even safer.