My heart is broken

[robinaggie]

Thank you all for your kind words. Crumb is at the Texas A&M Vet School clinic being checked out. (The vet school just called - Crumb has a few abrasions, but no punctures that they could find, and they're going to put her on antibiotics to make sure she doesn't get sick). They will keep her until I get the pen fixed up for her. I'm going to put a cage within the pen, so there will be double-wall protection. Now I have to find her a new friend her age. I'm going to call the egg man, since he has hens of all ages. Maybe I can buy one from him. But Crumb was so crazy about Cookie I don't know if she'll accept a replacement.

Again, thank you. I'm so shocked by what I saw. Whatever it was pulled Crumb's tail feathers out, and that's how I could tell them apart, so it was hard to tell which one was killed.

Also, Cookie's remains are at A&M for examination and necropsy. They're going to try to determine what did this.

I brought my brooder into the house and added extra heat (it's cold in here), because nothing feels safe anymore. It's nice to have all of you at BYC for comfort.

 

[chick4chicks]

I am so very sorry about your loss. It is so hard to lose your babies. I am glad the one left seems ok. Hope you find a real nice new friend for her. Sending no more attack vibes your way. Best of luck on finding a new baby.

 

[ZooMummzy]

I am so sorry for your loss

I am on my way outside right now to work on extra protection for my run and coop.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[risurocket]

That is so sad...they sounded like a sweet pair. Prayers and best wishes for your quest.

 

[dixygirl]

:aww
I really should not read this predator section. It just tears me apart.

Especially when you can't even figure what you did wrong.

I hope we can come up with a formula for a predator proof dwelling for our pets. This has to end!

I send prayers
dixy

 

[DDRanch]

Oh, I am so sorry. How awful for you. I share your broken heart.
Anne

 

[robinaggie]

Thank you. I have Crumb in the house with me until I can reinforce the coop tomorrow. She listens to the chicks in the brooder and makes little noises. I hope they can be merged.

When I take Crumb outside she seems so lost without Cookie to follow around, and she makes really sad, soulful noises, not at all like her old chatter when she found bugs in the grass and wanted Cookie to know.

I knew my chicken project would break my heart, I just didn't realize it would happen so soon. I figured the girls would live 8 years, and I'd say they had a good life before they died.

I'm sorry. I'm very tired, so I should shut up and go to bed. Thank you all for caring.

 

[antiquebuff]

I am so sorry for your loss.....Everyone needs to be aware of tin roofs with the ridges in it. Snakes and other predators can squeeze thru these. This morning I had a huge snake that had crawled thru one of the ridges. Now, all my coops have wire in the ceiling! I hope you find a new buddy for Curmb!

 

[go-veggie]

I am so sorry this happened to you and your babies! I know your pain-my dear, friendly turtle was eaten right out of her shell and her young friend was tortured by a raccoon 2 months ago. Thankfully one turtle survived, but she is missing 2 legs. Have you heard of a product called NightGuard...or Nitegard? I saw it in some chicken supply catalog and it supposedly keeps predators away. It's a blinking red light or something and is about $20. I wonder if anyone has one of those and what their thoughts are. I have to get outside in this pouring rain and close up the chicken coop, but I just had to tell you how much I feel for you. You are in my prayers...and what adorable names you chose for your sweeties. Please get some rest and know that you will feel better in time, and so will your little remaining baby. Take care.