Need a Christmas miracle....

[chickenzoo]

So sorry for your loss, how very sad. Praying for you and your family to get the results you are needing.

 

[Grant6411]

Quote:
Unfortunately, he (my nephew) and his adorible daughter have lived with me for over 1 year and a half and it was a nightly routine to bring the chickens in - which he was apart of just about every night. When I would open their pen, my chickens would walk right into the house through the back sliding doors. They always knew what time it was and would start squalking and crowing when they were ready to come in. After a little stay in the house, and maybe being spoiled with some dinner scraps, we would all "grab a chicken" and take them to their cages in the garage for the night. He should have known. At one point during the evening, he would have even had to go through the garage to close the big garage door...I can't even begin to imagine how he never noticed the cages open and their covers up. I can't imagine how he never heard the noise that must have been going on outside. I can't imagine how he never even thought to check on anything and "lock up" for the night. If he knew what had happened, he never let on to us and seemed totally in shock when it was discovered. I know he feels bad. It really hurt him to see me so hurt...but I just don't think he understands why I'm so hurt or how much. I made him clean out the cages and pick up the pile of feathers in the aloes, hoping that would do something. He needs to have some remorse for what he did to another living creature, not just that he hurt me. He is an animal lover but not a very responsible one. He owns a snake simply because he can forget about it for a month at a time before he has to take care of it again. Don't get me wrong...he's a decent guy (27 years old) but he just doesn't think sometimes. He isn't on any drugs and does not drink....the only excuse he could have is shear laziness and lack of care for anything other than himself. A perfect example would be when I brought the incubator in and was looking for a good safe spot to put it....his suggestion was putting it on the table in his room. Now, if he just killed my chickens....like I would actually trust putting those very precious eggs anywhere within his reach???? Maybe, just maybe...when he finds himself in a similar situation somewhere else in life...maybe even caring for a child, this memory may make him be a little more careful and more attentive...then it would not be for naught. I just hate that it had to be my chickens that were used to teach him this lesson...which, he hopefully learns.

omg im so sorry im horrified myself... it sound like you are in a pickle... but just remember that theres a line and he crossed it and walked 50 meters....

 

[sweetpeasmom]

Good luck with the hatch! And I am sorry for your loss!

 

[mothergoose1963]

Ohhhh this thread made me cry! I am so sorry for your loss--but mostly for the strife within your family. Please update us on your hatch.

My sons babysat my birds for me once--they were 18 and 16 years old. I lost three Sebs. I never left them in charge again. I cried and cried and was so disappointed in them. I couldn't decide which feeling was worse.

My thoughts are with you.

Big hugs,
Amy

 

[MommaLyd]

Quote:
You're right....I don't know which feeling is worse either... Did they seem to learn anything or should I lower my expectations?

Thanks for the positive thoughts and hugs - I feel the love! LOL

 

[mothergoose1963]

I think they learned a lesson. No boys like to see Momma sob! I dont ever let them care for the birds anymore, though, either. There are too many foxes, coyotes and racoons here to leave anything unattended! My guys weren't lazy--but decided to "fly the coop" when Mom was out of town. They went out and partied, I guess, and didnt take care of the flock or let the dogs out either when they promised they would. I was so upset with them. Now they are grown and dont live here anymore and it seemed like a long time ago~until I read your post.

 

[MommaLyd]

Quote:
I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful support, kind and wise words, and all of the encouragement. You guys are AWESOME!!! Thanks for making me feel so welcome and so accepted. I feel the love!!!!

 

[amyquilt]

Ok...so how's things going with the eggs in the bator???? Gotta keep us updated!

 

[MommaLyd]

Quote:
Sorry...I've been boxing up thousands of greeting cards to send overseas to the troops...now that was great for the spirit. Most of them were handmade from a few elementary schools and those kids are something else. Reading them was great for both laughs and tears. This was my third year doing this and it just keeps getting bigger and better. We collected over 4000 signed cards this year (up from 1100 last year and 330 the year before)!!!!

But anyway, the eggs are in the "real" bator now and all is going well. Temp and humidity are staying right on target. My cat has tried to nap on top of it a few times because it's so nice and warm. I almost feel detached from them now tho as I don't have to turn them and it's hard to talk to them through styrofoam and plastic! LOL. I decided not to candle them again...I'm too scared....not only to handle the eggs again (I have nightmares of dropping them or smacking them into the table) but also cuz I just don't wanna know. Saturday I unplug the turning thingy, raise the humidity, and then hold my breath until the 9th or so.

I sit here and type all night and I look foward to starting to hear the peeping when all is quiet. When would that start?...on the day before they hatch?? This is one of the most nerve racking things I've ever done! Caring for these eggs has given me a whole new respect for a mother hen!! My anger towards my nephew is subsiding but I do still find myself wanting to pop off with snide and hurtful comments...sometimes I do.

Thanks for checking on me! I most certainly will keep you posted!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I even got angry after reading the story.

I cannot, for the life of me, understand how some people can be so cavalier when put in charge of other peoples pets.

I know it's not right...but I would have a difficult time being as gracious as you've been. I probably would have kicked him out right then and there. I don't get angry much...but when I do...I'm not satisfied until there is complete mayhem!!

I'm so very sorry...I will pray for you over these next days and weeks.