Just lost my first chicken

[Cutiepie29]

I was given my first chicken, Butterscotch, a buff orpington, last year when my sister was doing construction on her house (they moved into a rental while the work was done). Butterscotch's flockmates didn't survive a predator while my sister couldn't be there to protect the birds, so she was given to me. I became quite attached to this sweet girl, and adopted a second attack survivor, Marmalade (who is a year younger), so she would have a companion. They got along from the moment they were introduced to each other and were so cute together.

My son, who goes out every morning to check for eggs, came in this morning to tell me that Butterscotch wasn't moving and he thought she was dead. Unfortunately, he was correct. She was sitting in the laying box with her head over the edge. I have no idea why she died. She was only 3 1/2.

 

[aimee750]

So sorry, losses are hard.

 

[The Coop Crew]

I am so sorry about butterscotch

 

[EmmaDonovan]

I am very sorry for your loss, it is always hard.

 

[Bartonsfinest]

I am so sorry about your Butterscotch Here are some tips that might ease your sadness. Time heals all wounds, Keep yourself busy, and give Ms.Marmalade extra hugs and kisses. Ignore people when they say to you " It was only a chicken" I got into a fistfight with a family member when they told me to chill out and it was just a chicken when my eggie McMuffin passed in November. My inbox is always open

 

[CCsGarden]

I'm so sorry for your loss!

 

[N F C]

I'm sorry to read of your loss, that's never easy.

 

[Callender Girl]

Not only is it hard to lose a chicken, but it's even harder when you don't know WHY. If there's a predator attack or there's evidence of illness, it's easier to wrap your mind around what happened.

Unfortunately, chickens -- which are prey animals for so many predators -- tend to cover up any ailments, so it's not unusual to have birds that appear perfectly okay then die suddenly and without obvious symptoms.

I'm sorry you, your son and Marmalade lost Butterscotch. But, you gave her a second lease on life and a chicken companion. You did all the right things.

 

[AntiqueB]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My first loss was also a young, sweet Buff Orpington, and my son was also devastated.

Marmalade will be there to comfort you, and hopefully you'll be able to open your heart to a new friend for her soon.

 

[Cutiepie29]

My son and I have decided to check out the ranch store today to see if they have any chicks. July is kinda hit-or-miss, but if they have some, we're thinking of trying to raise three new chickies. We've never done the baby thing before, and are a bit apprehensive, but Marmalade needs some company (this is twice now that she's been "sole survivor"). Any hints or suggestions for us?