Lost 6 today, totally heartbroken..I let them down :(

[jjthink]

I know you're hurting badly, and I'm sick over it too. Maybe your thoughtful post will help remind folks that even though kids mean well, we adults have to double check. Maybe this will help save other lives. I'm so sorry this happened

JJ

 

[whoacowboy]

They know you love them. They are together above us. I'm so sorry.

 

[spacecowgirl]

Oh, sweetie....I am so sorry. I feel so horrible for you.

I can't imagine how bad you must feel...Wish I could give you huge hugs

 

[Tap Dancing Chickie]

Well said, I also send you A BIG FAT HUG !!!

Quote:

 

[Redcatcher]

I killed the fox that carried off a number of my chickens a couple of weeks ago but I'm still here to offer empathy. I had a few outcast chickens hanging around my garden that had been driven away by their own flock. They would roost on my porch, each one having their own spot. I would have to go get them and bring them down to their chicken house every night. One night I was up late working and just as I was going to go outside to get them, I heard a loud thud. I went out but it was too late. The fox come right up on the porch and grabbed one of the hens. I heard her screams way off in the distance and there was nothing I could do. Pitch darkness and no flashlight on me. If only I had gone out a little earlier. Foxes learn your habits and they will watch and wait for you to make a mistake. That's all they need...ONE chance. I hope you get the fox and not be afraid to try again with some new chickens. I've lost a lot of chickens through the years and never thought I'd ever get attached to any others after that, but you do.

 

[MEchickenfarmer33]

its not your fault at all. foxes are determined little things and they will never give up on an easy meal. don't blame yourself blame the fox. be ready for his return because he will be back for more of your birds. sorry for your loss

 

[buildingmyark]

I can totally relate to what you're going through.

I just went through the same thing with 2 stray dogs that got one of my hens. It hurts so bad, especially when you feel like you are at fault. I felt awful for two weeks about that incident. Just learn from this experience so that you can better protect the rest of your flock . We did "deal" with the dogs. That made me feel a little better.

 

[kimntep]

Thank you everyone. I hardly slept last night. Every little noise I heard startled me and made me wonder. The coop is only 100 feet from my bedroom, but I woke to find everyone safe..at least as I could tell from the window. I've not gone out yet to see if the bastards tried to dig in and I won't be surprised if they did. My husband was sure he saw two and from the fact that 6 were taken in a matter of hours, he's probably right. He took his gun out on the farm this morning and will keep an eye out, but even if he gets them, more will come. We had a coon attack when the pullets were about 10-12 weeks old. It got three of them through the welded wire, but we trapped and relocated. We haven't had a single problem since, so I let my guard down, allowing them to free range for most of the day on the weekends. Lesson learned. I'm still in a bit of a daze, but it'll get better, I'll take better care of the 11 that are left, and I will get a few more in the spring. Thanks, again, for the support..it's great that we can all count on each other.

 

[ninabeast]

I completely understand your sense of responsibility for your girls. Those who aren't the primary caretakers can't understand what this personal responsibility feels like. I rehomed my roo to a perfectly good new flock and I feel AWFUL, like I completely betrayed him.

I hope you find comfort in your flock...you're clearly a wonderful chicken mama.

 

[wekiva bird]

so sorry for your lost