My first loss...

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl! Bear hugs! I would definitely put a secure roof over your run. Keeps it safe and dry!

 

[Chicken Mom Leslie]

Oh gosh!
Reading this makes me so sad. I am so very sorry for your loss of Otis.
I can only imagine how awful it was seeing it remotely on your chicken cam.

It’s funny, having chickens was something I’d wanted to do for such a long time. I wasn’t at all prepared for how connected to them we’d become. I never anticipated how deeply saddened I’d be when a loss occurred.
I had no idea that I would actually LOVE them!
When it happened to us (my friends here know) I was a WRECK.
I still tear up about it a year later.

Of COURSE it’s ALWAYS the special one!
Couldn’t be the nasty one. Ever.

Why?!
WHY??!!!!

I am sending many virtual hugs to you and your family today and hope that in time, the memories of her bring a smile to your heart.

The emojis you posted next to the word "cam" depict EXACTLY how it went. The only thing it doesn't show is the flood of adrenaline that went through my veins when I realized what I was actually seeing. Just horrible... I still can't go into my run to see the "spot" where it happened.

 

[Chicken Mom Leslie]

Thank you all so much for your replies, support, emoji hugs, and advice. I have already placed my aviary netting order and now just have to get my husband to go out in this horrible New England winter weather to install it with me.

 

[HeyHo]

So sorry for your loss! I’m always worried about hawks and I’m constantly spying on my girls with the chicken cam. Can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to check in to see who’s dust bathing where and see that! Good luck installing that netting, NE is supposed to warm up, so hopefully won’t be too bad. Hugs to you.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I’m so sorry for your loss.
Yes..we build special bonds that few understand. We do. We know how these little feathered creatures can steal your heart. So sorry about Otis (I just love the name) I’m sorry for your daughter who’s just learning some of life’s hard lessons.
Please Wire the top of your run. Netting will keep raptors out but...do nothing for predators that can climb especially raccoons.
I hope in time your heart finds peace. Again...so sorry

 

[Chicken Mom Leslie]

Again... thank you all. I do appreciate the support and advice!

 

[Banditbear]

About the only way to assure protection is to have them completely enclosed at all times.

This hawk swooped down on my chickens as they retreated to their enclosed coop. He followed them right inside. I was close by, and snapped the picture after closing the gate on it so I could separate him from the chickens.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

About the only way to assure protection is to have them completely enclosed at all times.

This hawk swooped down on my chickens as they retreated to their enclosed coop. He followed them right inside. I was close by, and snapped the picture after closing the gate on it so I could separate him from the chickens.

Wow!
What a close call!

 

[cmom]

Most every chicken owner will loose a bird at one time or another and often it's a special bird. Good luck and have fun with the rest of your birds...