Lost my flock to a raccoon :(

[glloyd203]

I'm just posting this because I've been so sad and most people I know don't seem to understand what a major loss this is. We lost ALL of our girls to a raccoon. Ten hens and one female duck... the male duck and the rooster survived. It got four the first night and I saw where it got in and sealed it well, but I underestimated the power of those animals. This is my eighth year keeping chickens and ducks and my third year with that particular run, with no issues, and I guess the cold made the raccoons desperate and crazed. I am just so, so, so deeply devastated and heartbroken. I had the most amazing flock. It was over a week ago now and I am still in disbelief. I'm not even entirely sure if my rooster is going to make it; he was injured in the attack and has been unwell, but he's on antibiotics and being hand fed and I'm praying for a miracle because I cannot handle losing him too. I don't even know why I'm posting this, except that in this community people will probably actually understand what I'm going through. Thanks for reading <3

 

[CoopBoots]

Your post breaks my heart. I'm so sorry. I imagine there's two types of keepers; those that have experienced this loss already, and those that will. Proud of you for doing what you can for your boys in spite of the grief.

Do you happen to have any unrefrigerated eggs around? I know it is a long shot, and wouldn't suggest it if this is still too soon... I do a lot of hatching to help myself feel that my flocks' "genetic legacy", if you will, may be able to continue. It gives me a little comfort anyway.

Big hugs... you will get through this.

 

[Galaxy_rules]

My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry. Losing any animal affects you, but no one really seems to get it with chickens.

 

[glloyd203]

Your post breaks my heart. I'm so sorry. I imagine there's two types of keepers; those that have experienced this loss already, and those that will. Proud of you for doing what you can for your boys in spite of the grief.

Do you happen to have any unrefrigerated eggs around? I know it is a long shot, and wouldn't suggest it if this is still too soon... I do a lot of hatching to help myself feel that my flocks' "genetic legacy", if you will, may be able to continue. It gives me a little comfort anyway.

Big hugs... you will get through this.

Thank you so so much. This means a lot. That is SUCH a great idea and I wish I had done that, but sadly I don't have any eggs. All the ones I did have at the time of the attack had already been put into the fridge. It would be so wonderful to have babies from those girls. Thank you again, you are so kind <3

 

[glloyd203]

My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry. Losing any animal affects you, but no one really seems to get it with chickens. View attachment 4038539

Thank you so much. I know, a lot of people don't seem to understand that they aren't just livestock. I knew people on here would get it!

 

[AinaWGSD]

I'm so sorry, that would be devastating for any chicken keeper.

If you have access to an incubator and want to try it's not too late to set your girls' eggs. People have successfully hatched grocery store eggs, which have been washed, refrigerated, and jostled during transport from the farm to the store to the home fridge. Just let them set out at room temperature for a day or so before putting them in the incubator.

 

[Justagalwithchicks]

I hope the good memories of your girls will bring you some comfort and peace. Big hugs to you-

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes. We understand.

 

[glloyd203]

Yes. We understand.

Thank you so much. Love this sweet gif

 

[glloyd203]

I hope the good memories of your girls will bring you some comfort and peace. Big hugs to you-

Thank you so so much. The support and kind words mean everything