I have to write this post early as I don’t think I can bear to come back later tonight to relive it.
We lost Squirt today. We are devastated – not because she had a relapse, but such a stupid pointless thing.
She was so happy to be out. I stepped out down the street for a short while. Jeff was doing yard work. She wanted to be on the other side of the fence where the other chickens were. Jeff let her in, made sure she was doing ok, then went to get a rake.
Thats all it took. The other chickens killed her! (Or so close to it that poor Jeff had to finish the job). We feel sad and angry at ourselves that we let her down. Not that we could have known. She had been with them before in her weak as a kitten stage with no trouble.
Jeff feels so guilty, like it was his fault – but its not like he threw her in there and left her for hours. It was minutes!! I feel guilty because I left the place and wasn’t here to… I don’t know what!!?? Mostly not being here and Jeff being by himself discovering the poor little girl & blaming himself.
Needless to say there have been a lot of tears and ‘what if’s’ this afternoon
After all that we did to get her well – we were so proud of that and she was having such a happy morning outside! It’s hard to believe she is gone just like that.
Apparently with chickens after they have been separated for more than three days you need to re introduce them as you would a new chicken. I hate crappy lessons you learn too late and the heart wrenchingly hard way.
I know she was ‘only a chicken’ but you know how we feel about them.
She is buried deep in the hothouse with a little stone and plum blossom on the sad, fresh turned earth.
Thanks for listening xx
So sorry to hear your bad news. We do the best we can and can’t always know everything. You did your very best and the unexpected happened. No one is to blame.
Hugs to you both.
Oh Lisa, I’m so sorry. I’d have done exactly the same though- you couldn’t have expected that, especially so fast. Hugs to you both.
I’m so very sorry to read this – big hugs for you both.
So sad to hear this. I never would have expected that. The animal world is full of surprises. Take care, my friend. Karen
Wow, Lisa. I am so sorry. Don’t beat yourself up – I would have done the same thing.
Thank you for sharing this story, I know it’ll keep me from doing something similar.
So sorry to read your sad news as I know how hard you cared for little squirt during the last couple of weeks and now suffering from that guilt feeling, which neither of you should have…just remember the happy times. xxoo
xxx thanks Judy… will catch up with you soon too xxx
Squirt!!! 🙁
I’m so sorry to hear of this sudden and unpredictable turn of events. Sending love and good vibes to you and Jeff from (literally almost) the other side of the world.
My condolences and sympathy to you both. This is a difficult lesson to learn. lad you have each other to lean on while you both grieve.
Carla
Lisa and Jeff – I am so sorry to hear your sad news about sweet Squirt. I was rejoicing with you that she was feeling better and on the road to recovery. Animal nature can be ruthless. I will tell my granddaughter your lesson learned. She has chickens at her house and would never think of the three-day re-introduction thing. Thank you for sharing.
Shedding tears for you both and for Squirt. 🙁
Lisa, I’m sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for you both.
Lisa:
My sympathies to you and your husband. You went above and beyond what most chicken owners would do so don’t blame yourself. A story for you: My grandparents raised chicks each spring. One year my brother noticed that a chick was being pecked by the other chicks. He adopted it and another chick and brought them home as pets. We found that the chick being pecked to death was blind. The healthy chick bonded with her and became her guide. Jennie and Pennie lived a good lives until Jennie was unfortunately run over by my mom. Not on purpose, she got under the car wheel. The point of my story is that you went above and beyond to help a chicken that would not have survived under normal circumstances and I applaud you for that. You are a good person! Try not to be so hard on yourself!
Oh no! So sorry to hear. We lost one of our chickens recently, too. We actually let her get too hot, I think and I could kick myself for not figuring this out before it was too late. It is truly painful because they are pets and we get so attached to them. I hope that you can take a little comfort in the fact that you blogging about this has taught me a valuable lesson. I didn’t know that this could happen either so I have learned from you today that may have prevented bad things from happening in the future for me. I guess we are all learning the ways of the chickens as we go along. I can tell that you and Jeff do a great job. Thanks so much for putting yourself out there even when things are tough. I wish you and Jeff much love and comfort from Mississippi.
I am really sorry to hear about your chicken too! 🙁 Its never easy! I never thought I would like them as much as we do! (Although I am finding it hard to like my other chooks at the moment) Thank-you for your thoughts and I am glad it is something that you have learned too.
We get so attached to all creatures. The pain lessens as time passes, but the hurt is deep when we think things could have been different. You two are good people.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so hard.
Oh, I’m so sorry! It’s terrible how these things happen so quickly. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Thank-you Lexie xx