Thought it was a beautiful day until.....

[jjaazzy]

The weather here has been nothing short of stunning, So I was thinking about getting my Silkie birds out for the first time. They have been stuck in the brooder for 4 to 5 weeks. Then my DH said the same thing this morning and help drag the future chick hut which is a kids play house over to the grass. They were scared at first but settled in nicely. My Border Collie was standing by. DH mentioned birds above getting them but I though nothings getting close with her here. Well I sat with them for a while then went and got their feed and then another trip for water, another trip to get zip ties to zip up one side of the new coop. Everything was ok. Then I went to finish up loading the dishwasher and I heard a strange chicken sound, I went out there and My BC had jumped in and killed all of them except for my tiniest youngest one. It's my fault I know it. I totally screwed up and the poor chicks paid the ultimate price for my stupidity. I have been fussing over these chicks for the past 5 weeks checking on them as much as hourly in the first few weeks. Then just this past week was able to start giving them treats like alfalfa sprouts, sprouted wheat grass and OMG I am so devastated.

So now I have this one poor little guy left, what do I do? Do I dare go back to the breeder and tell em I murdered his chickens. I am embarrassed to do so, and I would be ticked at someone who told me what I did. But, I know they do better in pairs but now this guy is at 4 weeks old. We are also in the process of purchasing a home with land (this is what prompted the chick purchase) and we could get called for a inspections and closing at any point now and I will have to take these chickens with me the. But I guess I would have to that anyway.............. OMG.... What should I do? They guy I purchased them from sells Show Quality Bearded Silkies. I would like to get Show Quality Silkie birds again.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Go and purchase a buddy for your loner. If your that embarrassed about what happened, don't even mention it. If you do tell the breeder about the dogs bad deed, just explain it was a terrible case of bad luck. Now you know the dog can't be trusted with the birds, easily fixed. We all make mistakes, these things do happen. I've lost a few chickens to my own dog throughout the years.

Sorry you lost your Silkies, but don't let this one bad experience get you down

 

[CluckyCluck]

You know what - we all make mistakes. I'm sure you completely trusted your border collie, and probably 99% of the time can! It's just something that happened. Don't be embarrassed. You made an honest mistake - a quick run into the house can turn into anything.

I ran in to warm up my tea the other day, and within 2 minutes, a red tailed hawk was gliding above my coop. I had to send one of the children out screaming. I don't let them out at all right now unless I am with them.

Predators are everywhere, and things happen all the time. Don't beat yourself up. Now you know better. =) Good luck with your lone baby, and your new babies when you get them.

 

[jjaazzy]

Thank you all for your support it means a lot and has helped me so much. I have such a heavy heart today. I'll tell you one thing the dog has made herself scarce the rest of the day, I decided not to share what happened with the breeder. I take a lot of pride in my honesty but after grinding over it all afternoon decided no good could come from sharing this news. He then might feel bad so I just said the others are doing fine when asked. He has some that are 2 weeks my little one is 4 so that's great they will be closer in age. And so the lightbulb heater continues. No more nifty treats throughout the day. Well at least for a couple of weeks. Thank you all for your help.

 

[happybooker1]

My 5-pound TINY TOY Poodle escaped out of my fence one day while I was @ work. When I came home he had caught one of my Serama's and worried it to death. (He loves to play with the other dogs and cats). So S*** happens.

 

[jjaazzy]

I went and picked up 4 new friends. The other chickie is very happy to not be alone. These are not as pretty as what I had. But they will be loved just the same. So the chicken raisin continues.