She is gone

[VirginiaFarmerGirl]

I lost my favorite and most trusted chicken yesterday morning. I am so heartbroken...she was the leader of the pack, all the other chickens learned from her and trusted her like she trusted me. Always running to me when I called her and following me around. They were out too early yesterday morning because I didn't close the exit of their run the night before and they came out of their solar door from the coop at the crack of dawn to free-range outside of their run. I usually close the run so they don't get out too early, but I've also allowed this to happen many times in the past with no issues. Huge mistake.

I was taking my morning bathroom break and heard a commotion around 8AM. I quickly looked through the window and saw feathers and a coyote running off. I ran outside and the coyote was nowhere to be seen. All that remained were the last feathers I'd ever see of my girl. My sweetest chicken is gone, I never thought I could feel so sad for a chicken but every time I think of my girls she is always the first to appear in my mind. She meant so much to me and I am crushed. When I fed them today her best friend wouldn't even come off the roost, mouth open and in a daze. She won't even eat her favorite snacks out of my hand. They are so quiet when I visit and I miss the specific song my favorite bird would make every time I visited.

I had to share here just because I think at least someone would understand. I'm a grown ass man...treasure your birdies. I'm so sad and so are they. The worst feeling is that she trusted me, and because she trusted me she is now gone, it hurts so much. She is the bird in my avatar, I love you Golden. We have 8 young chickies to introduce soon, so I will have to raise them in her honor and give them all her love. Thanks for reading.

We have had this kind of thing happen twice with fox attacks. It is an awful thing to go through. I'm very sorry for your loss. They are so much more than 'just birds'

 

[PippinTheChicken]

None of my flock have died yet and I would NOT want them to, ever! I know I will have to experience it but I know I will not handle it well

 

[Bird fanatic]

I lost my favorite and most trusted chicken yesterday morning. I am so heartbroken...she was the leader of the pack, all the other chickens learned from her and trusted her like she trusted me. Always running to me when I called her and following me around. They were out too early yesterday morning because I didn't close the exit of their run the night before and they came out of their solar door from the coop at the crack of dawn to free-range outside of their run. I usually close the run so they don't get out too early, but I've also allowed this to happen many times in the past with no issues. Huge mistake.

I was taking my morning bathroom break and heard a commotion around 8AM. I quickly looked through the window and saw feathers and a coyote running off. I ran outside and the coyote was nowhere to be seen. All that remained were the last feathers I'd ever see of my girl. My sweetest chicken is gone, I never thought I could feel so sad for a chicken but every time I think of my girls she is always the first to appear in my mind. She meant so much to me and I am crushed. When I fed them today her best friend wouldn't even come off the roost, mouth open and in a daze. She won't even eat her favorite snacks out of my hand. They are so quiet when I visit and I miss the specific song my favorite bird would make every time I visited.

I had to share here just because I think at least someone would understand. I'm a grown ass man...treasure your birdies. I'm so sad and so are they. The worst feeling is that she trusted me, and because she trusted me she is now gone, it hurts so much. She is the bird in my avatar, I love you Golden. We have 8 young chickies to introduce soon, so I will have to raise them in her honor and give them all her love. Thanks for reading.

I am so sorry for your loss I have lost a few chickens to preditors and know how hard it is, best wishes

 

[FuzzyOwlFeet]

Thank you everybody...your words and experiences help a lot more than I could have expected. I cried like a baby too, but now I'm glad I wasn't the only one. I guess we've got to learn from these unfortunate events and be sure to love our other chickens that are still with us. I wish you all the best and my heart goes out to all our innocent "babies" who left us too early. Thank you guys, and I am sorry for your losses too. Stay vigilant, these birds are so special.

Not everyone on this site feels how we do about our birds, so I hope you know now you're not alone. We're all here for you ❤

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Oh dear. How very sad for you. I'm sorry for your loss No matter our age or gender, losing a loved one can hit us all just the same. I think it gets worse as we age...

 

[debrahlily]

I am so so sorry for your loss!! I know how much birds can mean to their owners and losing them is one of the worst things to happen especially if it was one of your favorite ones, she didn't deserve that at all :[[

Sending you my genuine condolences

 

[dawg53]

It's always a favorite that's the first to go for whatever reason. It hurts and I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[cmom]

When I went out to the coops yesterday my oldest hen had passed. She was 8 years old. I hatched her out and she lived her life out here. She did have issues but was always a trouper. I'll miss my Lady.

 

[KCD]

I’m so sorry! We’ve lost many over the years from old age and predators alike but it never gets easier. The predator losses are the hardest and I am always heartbroken when it happens. It’s even hard when it’s the cranky girls/boys that go. The last couple we lost were our sons’ favorites and that was even worse! They are definitely more than just “chickens”.

I feel like our favorites are often the first to go because they are less timid and don’t run and hide as quickly. They tend to hang out more in the open so I think they are easier targets.

I always tell myself, and the kids, that everything needs to eat and the chickens are the predators’ lunch/dinner walking around the property. Sometimes it takes the sting (out a little), but usually not. I’d rather they make their meals out of something other than my chickens!

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

I lost my favorite and most trusted chicken yesterday morning. I am so heartbroken...she was the leader of the pack, all the other chickens learned from her and trusted her like she trusted me. Always running to me when I called her and following me around. They were out too early yesterday morning because I didn't close the exit of their run the night before and they came out of their solar door from the coop at the crack of dawn to free-range outside of their run. I usually close the run so they don't get out too early, but I've also allowed this to happen many times in the past with no issues. Huge mistake.

I was taking my morning bathroom break and heard a commotion around 8AM. I quickly looked through the window and saw feathers and a coyote running off. I ran outside and the coyote was nowhere to be seen. All that remained were the last feathers I'd ever see of my girl. My sweetest chicken is gone, I never thought I could feel so sad for a chicken but every time I think of my girls she is always the first to appear in my mind. She meant so much to me and I am crushed. When I fed them today her best friend wouldn't even come off the roost, mouth open and in a daze. She won't even eat her favorite snacks out of my hand. They are so quiet when I visit and I miss the specific song my favorite bird would make every time I visited.

I had to share here just because I think at least someone would understand. I'm a grown ass man...treasure your birdies. I'm so sad and so are they. The worst feeling is that she trusted me, and because she trusted me she is now gone, it hurts so much. She is the bird in my avatar, I love you Golden. We have 8 young chickies to introduce soon, so I will have to raise them in her honor and give them all her love. Thanks for reading.

Your sorrow is palpable.. I am so sorry. Sounds like you gave her the best life a chicken could have, and in time those memories will make you smile instead of weep. I wish you peace.