Kinda hating Mother Nature today...

[jenije]

My children and I were sitting in the coop watching our hen with her two week old guinea babies. She and the keets are in a fenced in nursery, we had the top off to feed and water them. A huge, HUGE black snack came in so fast I couldn't do anything to stop it, it went first for the hen and I was able to smack it away but then it grabbed up one of the babies. We were all screaming so loud my husband came running and he killed it before it could get anymore. So stinking sad! One for the poor baby and another because my boys had to see it all happen. Life lesson but so sad!

 

[iwiw60]

SO sorry for the loss and that your kids had to see it happen. Life lessons are hard sometimes and now your children know that life is precious, no matter what it is....wishing you well....

 

[Bunnylady]

It's pretty rough seeing something you delight in treated like "protein on the hoof" , isn't it?

I'm sorry you lost your keet. We've had a few of those painful learning experiences around here, too. You may find the kids deal with it better than you do.

 

[jenije]

Thanks for the well wishes, the boys are troupers and have spent the day "comforting" the hen Henny Penny. Lots of treats for her and the babies. Feeling guilt over killing the snake, not my style but I had hoped to save the baby. Everyone is up and cozy for the night.

 

[6of6chicks]

Oh, how sad! And freaky scary at the same time! I wouldn't feel bad for killing the snake. I don't generally advocate killing predators, but if my kids were standing next to me and a large snake suddenly appeared I guarantee you I wouldn't be thinking about animal rights or a balanced ecosystem in that moment!

Glad to hear your boys are handling it well. Best wishes!

 

[RonP]

Sorry for your loss.
Hard life lesson...

Glad you have little troupers!

 

[WhiteLeghorn2]

My children and I were sitting in the coop watching our hen with her two week old guinea babies. She and the keets are in a fenced in nursery, we had the top off to feed and water them. A huge, HUGE black snack came in so fast I couldn't do anything to stop it, it went first for the hen and I was able to smack it away but then it grabbed up one of the babies. We were all screaming so loud my husband came running and he killed it before it could get anymore. So stinking sad! One for the poor baby and another because my boys had to see it all happen. Life lesson but so sad!

I feel bad for the chick and the snake. Rat snakes are very docile and could have easily been moved without harming him or her. Don't feel bad though, it's a split second decision. Sorry for your loss! Sorry that you had to do that all in front of your boys. Best of luck with the rest of your guineas.