Just looking for some support

[goosiesnougs]

I just lost my first chicken to predation. She was a GORGEOUS black silkie that I hatched out in March. My mother in law let my wheaten terrier in when she came for dinner and I had no idea! She is my "silkie sitter" and she does a **** good job! I've kept chickens for about 5 years and this is my first loss. Hubby built Fort Knox for the coop but they were free ranging. It was a red tailed hawk and he got her jugular so my only consolation was it must have been quick. It took my family and I 45 minutes to find/coax the rest out from the spots they hid in. I can not stop crying and my family feels bad for my loss but it's the other chicken keepers that truly understand.

Just need a hug

 

[waddles99]

So sorry for your loss

Unfortunately, it is one of the negatives of keeping chickens. And, just as luck has it, the best ones are usually the ones to go! I remember when my Ameraucana died of impacted crop just days after winning BB and BV at a show.

The thing about loss to predators is that you cant blame yourself. I know you feel bad, but there was nothing you could do. I have only lost one bird to a hawk and it was upsetting, but I was comforted by the fact I couldn't blame myself. It is hard when nature conflicts with your hobby.

At the end of the day though, the good of chicken keeping far outweighs the little bad that happens once in a while

 

[goosiesnougs]

I seriously love you, I truly needed to hear that. I can not stop crying and welling up with tears. I feel like it was preventable on my part. I shouldn't have let them out. I'm so sorry about the impacted crop..especially after winning! You should be proud of yourself! I am upset and in turn it's upsetting my kids. I feel like a fool! You're right about the good of chicken keeping outweighing the bad, I will try to focus on that. I'm just shaken up, as this was terribly traumatic. Thank you so so much

 

[waddles99]

I seriously love you, I truly needed to hear that. I can not stop crying and welling up with tears. I feel like it was preventable on my part. I shouldn't have let them out. I'm so sorry about the impacted crop..especially after winning! You should be proud of yourself! I am upset and in turn it's upsetting my kids. I feel like a fool! You're right about the good of chicken keeping outweighing the bad, I will try to focus on that. I'm just shaken up, as this was terribly traumatic. Thank you so so much

Glad I could help! Your compassion for your lost one tells me you love your chickens very much and care for them well, they must be happy. That is far more than a lot of chicken keepers I know can say about themselves. I know it feels terrible now, but I'll bet you gave her a better life than 99% of the chickens in the world, and I'll bet she's grateful to you for that. Take comfort in the fact that she may have passed, but she passed not due to any mistake on your part, but as a result of you letting your chickens live a natural, healthy, life outdoors.

 

[goosiesnougs]

I treat them like I would want to be treated. Your kind words are making me cry all over again

I understand they are "only chickens" I really do! We have even ate two last year because I had too many roosters and didn't know what to do. They had a quick death (hubby) and my son and I processed them. We ate every bit and made stock from the carcasses. I didn't like doing it but circle of life and nothing got wasted. My husband heaved this one into the woods for the wolves. I can't thank you enough for your kind words and support. This was a traumatic experience that I will most certainly learn from. Sending you good karma, you have helped me so very much tonight!

 

[waddles99]

I treat them like I would want to be treated. Your kind words are making me cry all over again

I understand they are "only chickens" I really do! We have even ate two last year because I had too many roosters and didn't know what to do. They had a quick death (hubby) and my son and I processed them. We ate every bit and made stock from the carcasses. I didn't like doing it but circle of life and nothing got wasted. My husband heaved this one into the woods for the wolves. I can't thank you enough for your kind words and support. This was a traumatic experience that I will most certainly learn from. Sending you good karma, you have helped me so very much tonight!

No problem at all, I know it is awful to lose an animal and a pet you love

People say they're only chickens, but you and I and everyone on this site know they are much more than that! Pets, layers, show animals, yard candy, or all of the above!