Loss of a chick to a Predator

[ManyChickies]

Thursday started out wonderful for this first time chicken owner. The 11 week chickens were out about about, the 9 week old chicks were chilling on a bench with my husband, and me and the baby were talking to each member of the flock and taking pictures.

We came inside to put the baby down for a nap and left the birds to free range for a little bit. I layed the baby down and walked outside to set out my shoes and heard what I thought were two chicks having a squabble.

I don't like my chicks fighting so I ran to the run, but I didn't see the chickens. I was very confused, I looked in the coops and found most of them there. I looked around to make sure none were still out of the run and in danger but couldn't find anyone.

Then I saw my 9 week old blue production chick sleeping in the leaves underneath a big cedar tree. I said wake up silly bird your flock has left you. It didn't wake up, so I went to pet her to wake her up and she didn't move. I stood up in shock to find that she was dead.

I didn't know how or why she was dead. I moved her to show my husband and thats when I found a hole in the back of her neck.

I freaked out and cried and rushed to make sure the others were safe and locked up. This experience really taught me a lot. I was distraught the rest of the day, said my prayers before bed and woke up a different person. Now I do not love on the chicks, now I expect to lose them at some point. I've been extending their run to increase their chances, but my whole disposition has changed profoundly.

 

[ManyChickies]

Good bye Sterling

 

[TwoCrows]

I am so sorry, it's always heartbreaking to lose them.

 

[ManyChickies]

Thank you. I appreciate the compassion.

 

[The Chick Addict]

I am SO sorry! I had a similar experience when I started out with chickens. I still miss the ones I have lost along the way but I have kept going and I hope you do too. Don't lose hope. I am positive Sterling is scratching around in the meadows of heaven. She is a very beautiful girl. I wish you comfort and I hope you feel better!
Please don't worry about losing your other chicks. It is very unlikely that you will lose them. It sounds like Sterling was attacked by a predator. I would keep an eye out for it and secure your coop very well. Don't leave when they are free-ranging and keep a stick or weapon with you when they are just in case the predator comes back. It sounds like an animal that kills for sport. Keeping a security camera near your coop may also help spot the animal if it doesn't come again during the day.
Your other babies are probably missing you and they are very good consoler's! I guarantee, they will make you feel so much better! I am so sorry and I know how you feel! What helps me is imagining the ones who have died having a wonderful time in heaven and knowing that I hopefully will see them again one day. We miss you Sterling!!!

 

[Callender Girl]

I am very sorry that you lost Sterling, who was really beautiful.

Losing one -- especially the first time -- changes us all, I think. I decided I was a terrible chicken person because I forgot to close the coop door one night; a mink came in and killed all but one hen in that coop -- not to eat them, but apparently just for sport. I was sure I didn't deserve to have chickens.

But, I hope you don't stop loving on your chickens or that you expect to lose them to predators.

You are already taking steps to keep them safer; I invested in a LOT of hardware cloth and always double check every door on every coop every night. Mine only "free range" now when I'm home and only in the fenced portion of the property that I can see from the house windows.

BTW, the one hen who escaped the killer mink is now eight years old. I treasure her every day. You can still feel Sterling's loss and love the rest of your flock. And, they can still bring you joy, and hopefully, some healing. Take care.

 

[ManyChickies]

It is an emotional balancing act for me. Myself and most other humans do their best to protect themselves from pain. So since this hurt, it seems almost uncontrollable, my walls are up and I'm seeing things threw a new light of loss and belief anything could happen at any moment. I'm hoping with time and safer space I'll feel safe to care more for them.

Here is a before and after of the coops and run in progress

 

[PopoMyers]

So sorry for your loss. There is nothing easy about losing any one, in any way. I think many of us have learned the hard way, that free ranging, and unprotected runs, forgotten doors, smart predators are the leading causes of loss, ahead of illnesses. Stay diligent and watchful. Sterling was a beautiful girl. Rest in peace, little one.

 

[Gremchild74]

I just lost my beautiful Maran named Annie. My own beloved dog attacked two of my chickens. One is in her way to recovery. Very heartbreaking. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[ManyChickies]

Feeling a bit better after I built this