I killed my flock :’(

[Sequel]

I'm so sorry!

 

[Jacqui66]

I killed my whole flock. I had them locked in a coop and I did not check in the morning to see that they have been let out, and by the time I discovered the mistake at 4:30 pm the California sun had killed them. I didn’t lock them, I was too tired yesterday after replanting a huge tree, and with electric fence, thoughts they’d be okay. So I knew they were out, but so happened that my daughter went and locked them last night and it didn’t occur to me to check or even ask today! I lost a couple of chickens to heat before so I was paranoid about it. I have 5 or 6 water stations, including an automatic waterer. But the coop is too small and Each time I tried to put water there they knocked it down so I didn’t. And now all 5 of my beautiful, gentle babies died! They laid beautiful blue and brown shades eggs. And they even laid one before dying of heat stroke. I can’t look at it. I had a chicken or two die before from heat or predators, and always enhanced safety and moved on, but today I just can’t. I’ve cried for hours and even kids could t comfort me. Now I calmed down but I can’t eat or even get up. I just don’t know how to go on now. They all died suffering, and all my joy and pride left with them. If anyone was in this situation before, how did you move on?

Oh no! What a hard, hard day. I’m in Oroville and it has been extremely hot. I hope you don’t give up on having chickens. For what it’s worth, Higby’s has chicks right now. Take your daughter and your sorrow and apply your experience with some new chicks. It will accelerate your healing.

 

[Niklepikle]

I am so sorry!!! When our pets die, we always feel so responsible.. because we love them so much. I can totally see how such a mistake could happen. It’s hard when there are many people who love and care for them. I was afraid of mixing up responsibilities or days with my kids, so I am just in charge of it. If i need their help or whe they want tp help, they help for that particular moment or task. I have a crappy memory, so this is the best way for me to remember! Give yourself and your daughter a hug.

 

[townchicks]

What a sad day. It will take some time, but you will be able to get past this. I had a couple of box turtles a number of years ago, that I put outside in a pen to get some Vit D.They had plenty of shade to move into when I put them out, but I forgot to account for the sun moving. When I went to check on them, it was too late. I beat myself up for that for a long time, but eventually I figured out that reliving it in my head and wishing for a different ending wasn't helping them or me. We all go through things we wish had been different. Just remember that your birds had a way better life than most chickens ever get to experience. I hope when you are ready, that you'll find joy in a new flock.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I feel your pain. I think everyone who has had chickens for any length of time likely has made mistakes that have caused damage. I know I have.
No matter where one lives, a coop in full sun is a bad idea. If it can't be placed where there is shade, it is imperative to plant trees and make use of shade cloth. Farm Tek carries a 90% shade cloth that is very effective.
No matter how good one thinks their ventilation is, improvements can still be made. 1 square foot of ventilation per bird is essential. My buildings have huge hardware cloth covered openings on both East and West walls. They are approximately 3'X4' along with several smaller openings. They are also built under tall trees and are in shade most of the day. You also mentioned that the coop was small. How small is small?

 

[MROO]

Thank you all for your kindness and support! I knew you would understand! It hurts so much I can’t share with people in person, and your support means the world to me.

That's what friends are for!

 

[MROO]

Thank you, I had no idea! Yes, I was thinking, if only I put an alarm clock or a calendar reminder before it happened!! So, thank you for letting me know that it’s a good idea even with the door opener. I also wonder if turning the coop so the wall will face the sun and the wire mesh face away from the sun and maybe somehow installing another automatic waterer would work... I thought the heavy duty sun shade I had over the wire mesh was enough :’(

Plant a fast-growing tree or large shrub. The extra shade will help - and if you pick the right one, it can even provide treats for you and your new birds.

 

[21hens-incharge]

That is a very sad thing to have to get past.

Yes we all make mistakes.

I keep water in the run and not in the coop too. I can see how it could happen with life being very busy.

I take a wet mash out every morning.
Maybe doing something like that can ensure you see them every morning.

I second planting something that will give shade will help.

Is there any way at all to expand a bit on the coop so a water dish can be inside? Even just a small box on the side can hold a water dish.

I feel bad for your loss.

All you can do is improve things and move forward.

 

[Snowingamanda]

Oh no! What a hard, hard day. I’m in Oroville and it has been extremely hot. I hope you don’t give up on having chickens. For what it’s worth, Higby’s has chicks right now. Take your daughter and your sorrow and apply your experience with some new chicks. It will accelerate your healing.

They do have chicks? Our Hickbys in a winters didn’t have them when we went last week to by chicken food...and trying to buy adults is too expensive for us now

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Actually, Auto coop doors are really useful.
Our's is a little different. We have a camera in our coop, hooked to my phone so I can always see who and what is in the coop. When all the birds are in, we can set the coop door to close then and there. I don't use it all the time, but it's useful on vacation when you don't have people who can come and open and close the doors every morning and evening.