Predator took all 5 hens last night! I feel horrible!

[twendt]

Please don't beat yourself up about it. We all make mistakes. I have several regarding chickens. Forgot to lock them up and ran outside late at night (hoping they were ok), lucky for me they were OK. Another time, daughter forgot to let them out before school, I work at 4am (it's still dark). They had no food or water all day. A couple weeks ago, I asked her to put chickens away, run door was closed and locked, but pop door left open, it was 9'F over night! I'm sorry for your loss

 

[hayley3]

Please don't beat yourself up about it. We all make mistakes. I have several regarding chickens. Forgot to lock them up and ran outside late at night (hoping they were ok), lucky for me they were OK. Another time, daughter forgot to let them out before school, I work at 4am (it's still dark). They had no food or water all day. A couple weeks ago, I asked her to put chickens away, run door was closed and locked, but pop door left open, it was 9'F over night! I'm sorry for your loss

Yes me too. If a raccoon had come by a few times, they could have just opened the chicken's door if they had tried. And I had to leave for work early and forgot to give them water.

But I got home late one day...daylight savings had started and it was starting to get dark at 4pm...and I went into the house first and little did I know my chickens lay massacred inside the barn. I was in so much shock, I remember very little except how sick I was over it and how if I had only not stopped for groceries I would've been there to protect them. Maybe. Not knowing what happened really drives you nuts. To move on you need to get more chickens...You will never forget those 5 birds, you will always feel remorse over it, as I do, but other chickens will benefit from your kind heart when you bring them home and start again.

 

[chloemae]

I have a couple from 5/18/19 when we first got them. They are a Buff Orpington, Barred Rock, Dominique, Red Sex Link and an Easter Egger. I'll try to get a couple of them as they look now.

View attachment 2016728

They are gorgeous

 

[chloemae]

Please don't beat yourself up about it. We all make mistakes. I have several regarding chickens. Forgot to lock them up and ran outside late at night (hoping they were ok), lucky for me they were OK. Another time, daughter forgot to let them out before school, I work at 4am (it's still dark). They had no food or water all day. A couple weeks ago, I asked her to put chickens away, run door was closed and locked, but pop door left open, it was 9'F over night! I'm sorry for your loss

Thank you . I am glad your crew is all safe❤❤. I think that is the hardest part for me....I am so routine and have been doing the same routine for years. One night, one time and it happened, I lost them all. It just makes me so sick to my stomach. I know it was an accident but they lost their lives. I am hard on myself and feel so guilty. I get very attached to everything (I respect life and when any of my critters pass away, I respectfully bury them in my yard....this is the first time I couldnt do that...). Praying for safety for everyone ❤❤

 

[chloemae]

Yes me too. If a raccoon had come by a few times, they could have just opened the chicken's door if they had tried. And I had to leave for work early and forgot to give them water.

But I got home late one day...daylight savings had started and it was starting to get dark at 4pm...and I went into the house first and little did I know my chickens lay massacred inside the barn. I was in so much shock, I remember very little except how sick I was over it and how if I had only not stopped for groceries I would've been there to protect them. Maybe. Not knowing what happened really drives you nuts. To move on you need to get more chickens...You will never forget those 5 birds, you will always feel remorse over it, as I do, but other chickens will benefit from your kind heart when you bring them home and start again.

I am so sorry for your loss . You sound so much like me....it is just wishing I could repeat that routine one more time and get it right. Close the last door, just like I always had before. You are right...that shock. I couldnt believe it. I was so sick to my stomach. I went into work late and left early Friday. I know some people would say not to worry, just chickens, etc. but everyone here at BYC has an affinity to chickens, ducks, quail, turkey, etc. and we all understand what our birds mean to us. I never want to be responsible for anything losing it's life so I am super hung up on the 'what if's' right now. I know that isn't helpful or healthy, but I think I just need to work through it. Seeing that empty coop the last 3 mornings really breaks my heart. I miss seeing them come running for snacks and happily digging up my flower beds, clucking and running around....I am so very grateful for all the support from all of my BYC friends like you who have said so many kind words and shared relatable stories!!!! ❤❤❤❤

 

[hayley3]

Since I have been there, and know exactly how you are feeling, it breaks my heart knowing your heart is broken. All I wanted to talk about was my birds when it happened and no one at work cared but here at this forum, people care. Most of us got a 2nd chance to lock that door but you didn't and I'm sorry that it happened to you.

 

[chloemae]

Since I have been there, and know exactly how you are feeling, it breaks my heart knowing your heart is broken. All I wanted to talk about was my birds when it happened and no one at work cared but here at this forum, people care. Most of us got a 2nd chance to lock that door but you didn't and I'm sorry that it happened to you.

Awwww, you are so sweet ❤. Things happen for reasons we are not always aware of and I am a big believer in faith. I am so thankful for stories shared by others here and in my life who have had the same type of situations to be able to relate. None of us wished this to happen but sharing experiences makes us feel more relatable and less lonely. Time is a healer and I plan to take each day at a time, just like everyone has done here ❤❤

 

[Sequel]

Just read through this thread and I’m so terribly sorry for your loss! If you had those birds for 5 years that is exceptional care! Your birds Had it better longer than most chickens who ever existed!
Take the loss as experience, maybe make a secure run for them but oh you are way too good a keeper than to not get any more! Take your time to grieve but any birds lucky enough to find a home with you will be lucky indeed!

 

[chloemae]

Just read through this thread and I’m so terribly sorry for your loss! If you had those birds for 5 years that is exceptional care! Your birds Had it better longer than most chickens who ever existed!
Take the loss as experience, maybe make a secure run for them but oh you are way too good a keeper than to not get any more! Take your time to grieve but any birds lucky enough to find a home with you will be lucky indeed!

Thank you so much for the truly kind words, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness ❤❤

 

[NickyPick]

Foxes and coyotes can climb fences. They're also the best bet for taking the hens away. A raccoon will dine on the choice bits, but leave the rest there. I hate them the most. Such a waste.