When they die....

[Tortoise]

Failure to thrive is most likely what happened. I think more than likely a genetic mistake.

I have found that kids follow your lead, so how you handle it they will follow.

We are of the group, dang it... circle of life, not so much of the guilt, I did something wrong. I do sometimes think chickens are not for people with great sensibility as chickens do die rather easily, and generally do not live for years.

I'm one of them that dont handle animal deaths very well. However, because I do take good care of my animal family and will pay what's needed at a vet, it does help to relieve the pain, knowing I did give them a good life and did all I could for them.
One of the reasons too I'm buying from a breeder within pick up range rather then shipping and buying from a hatchery. I will know they had a good start.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

I'm so sorry for your lost... I understand completely, chickens are my pets and a big part of my life! I am fortunate to have only lost one, but I cried and prayed for it, and buried it... I'm not a kid either... It was like losing a dog or cat to me... I also recently lost my button quail hen Nova... That devasted me as well... Besides that I have lost a button quail chick, (it wasn't formed right), and a young bird with a broken wing... They all hurt me to lose.. alot of people tell me that I'll get over it after a while, but I really don't want to! Loosing my compassion for animals defeats the purpose of owning them... I understand eating animals, and I do, but they all should be treated right, and we should take very seriously how they give their lives to feed us.. we should always care!

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Personally it's okay if you cry at every loss. I cried over a marine fish that I had for a long time. He was more like a pet that recognized me and was happy too see me. I cry over every animal. They are part of my family not just an object. I dont have my chickens yet, but they will be pets and family. I will cry and not ashamed to say so. I am proud of the love and care I give my animal family. I still cry over my four legged best friend I lost over 25 years ago. Animal lovers are the best people in this world. Be proud you care so much and be happy they had a great life and love for whatever time you had with them.

X2!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Don't get a thicker skin; learn to cry, but most importantly, know you are crying for your loss, not their death.

This. 1000x this.

I cry for my pets when they pass. One of my sons does. The other does not - not because he doesn't care about them, but I don't think he fully grasps it (he is on the autism spectrum). I don't cry for the pets; I cry for me. I will miss them.

 

[PTA Chicks]

We've always buried our pet chickens. They get funerals and flowers and tears and pictures drawn of happy time and we remember all the good and funny times we had with them.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

We've always buried our pet chickens. They get funerals and flowers and tears and pictures drawn of happy time and we remember all the good and funny times we had with them.

x2