I accidentally killed my chicken and feel awful!

[Renada_]

Mrs. Frizzle, she was a frizzle bantam. Was a super silly chicken and she acted like a dog. She’d jump up at the food scooper and follow me everywhere. And I freaking killed her. I am so upset with myself, and it doesn’t help that my mom was awful to me about it. It was 100° today and I had been moving birds around. I didn’t notice that she jumped into a tote and I had shut the lid on her. I have barely been home today, I was in a rush to finish what I was doing outside so I could go to a family members home and give their animals food and water as well. I never noticed her in there, which I should have checked because she always gets in there. My mom made a comment about how I should have seen her and it was completely open on the top. I have it set like a hinge and there’s leftover bedding in there for chicks whenever I had some. She blended in perfectly and it was hot and I just didn’t think. I am such an awful person and she must have suffered so much! I can’t believe myself, I am such an awful chicken owner! I quite literally hate myself.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Please don't do this to yourself, it was an ACCIDENT. These things happen. I know you can't help feeling awful, but you did not do it on purpose, please try to let yourself off the hook. She was a pretty little thing and of course she was special to you . Please try to remember her with love and treasure your memories of her. Honestly, you couldn't help what happened, please try not to blame yourself. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Morndew247]

Aw and she was such a cutie! But seriously, that could happen to any one of us. They get into everything! I'll bet it never happens to you again though. You will be super vigilant now. So sorry.

 

[ILoveDaffy]

Mrs. Frizzle, she was a frizzle bantam. Was a super silly chicken and she acted like a dog. She’d jump up at the food scooper and follow me everywhere. And I freaking killed her. I am so upset with myself, and it doesn’t help that my mom was awful to me about it. It was 100° today and I had been moving birds around. I didn’t notice that she jumped into a tote and I had shut the lid on her. I have barely been home today, I was in a rush to finish what I was doing outside so I could go to a family members home and give their animals food and water as well. I never noticed her in there, which I should have checked because she always gets in there. My mom made a comment about how I should have seen her and it was completely open on the top. I have it set like a hinge and there’s leftover bedding in there for chicks whenever I had some. She blended in perfectly and it was hot and I just didn’t think. I am such an awful person and she must have suffered so much! I can’t believe myself, I am such an awful chicken owner! I quite literally hate myself. View attachment 3928851

It truly was not something you should blame yourself for. It was completely by accident, and it happened while you were being responsible in another area. It wasn't because you were being negligent, you were just overloaded and caring for someone else's animals too. You sound like a very good, responsible animal keeper, and she was happy with you! Please try not to beat yourself up over this, and give yourself some grace.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It truly was not something you should blame yourself for. It was completely by accident, and it happened while you were being responsible in another area. It wasn't because you were being negligent, you were just overloaded and caring for someone else's animals too. You sound like a very good, responsible animal keeper, and she was happy with you! Please try not to beat yourself up over this, and give yourself some grace.

^^^ This!!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Mrs. Frizzle, she was a frizzle bantam. Was a super silly chicken and she acted like a dog. She’d jump up at the food scooper and follow me everywhere. And I freaking killed her. I am so upset with myself, and it doesn’t help that my mom was awful to me about it. It was 100° today and I had been moving birds around. I didn’t notice that she jumped into a tote and I had shut the lid on her. I have barely been home today, I was in a rush to finish what I was doing outside so I could go to a family members home and give their animals food and water as well. I never noticed her in there, which I should have checked because she always gets in there. My mom made a comment about how I should have seen her and it was completely open on the top. I have it set like a hinge and there’s leftover bedding in there for chicks whenever I had some. She blended in perfectly and it was hot and I just didn’t think. I am such an awful person and she must have suffered so much! I can’t believe myself, I am such an awful chicken owner! I quite literally hate myself. View attachment 3928851

I'm sorry to hear about Mrs. Frizzle, what a lovely lady.

This was an accident, and I know you feel awful, but please do give yourself a break.

Big hugs too you, it's going to be o.k.

 

[alpacasandchicks78]

Please don't do this to yourself. It could've happened to any one of us and probably has. Accidents happen.

 

[Bawkbok]

It's truly awful that this happened, but you can't change it now. Allow yourself time and space to feel guilty, angry, sad, whatever you feel, but process it quickly and channel that energy into caring for your other chickens. It was not intentional and you are not a bad person. Right now you need to practice self love and care. We all make mistakes and bad stuff happens to chickens. It doesn't sound like your mom is going to give you much support right now, so seek it elsewhere - like HERE!! Love and Hugs

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

Your mom is being way too hard on you. And if this "guilt/shaming thing" is something she does a lot then its incredibly childish and damaging to you.
I am so sorry you lost your chicken, it hurts--I just lost mine to natural causes yesterday. Grieving is so hard. And maybe guilting you is her incredibly damaging way of handling her grief..
But listen--your situation was an accident. Plain and simple, you are a normal person. A caring and compassionate loving person who would have NEVER done anything to hurt Frizzle.
Its okay to be upset and its normal to be mad at yourself, but you are NOT a bad person. Frizzle knew that about you, and you and your mom should know that too. Period.
Much love coming your way. I am so sorry this happened to you.

 

[woodworm]

We didn't shut the run door properly a few weeks ago and the girls escaped to free range. Next morning we let our dogs out to do their stuff and they killed one of our girls - we also feel guilty as we have a latch / carabiner setup - however the carabiner didn't close properly and they managed to push it open …

We only lost one but we are still feeling guilty about it - I don't mean this to sound bad, but there I'm sort of relieved this happens to other people as well. We all love our chooks and sometimes bad stuff happens.

I am sorry for your loss. IMO your Mum is being too harsh.