I lost one of my girls yesterday to heat stroke and I’m all torn about it. Should I keep other 3 out of coop?
Our take
The recent heartfelt post by a fellow chicken enthusiast on the trials of chicken ownership resonates deeply with many in our quirky community. The experience of losing a beloved hen to heat stroke is a painful reminder of the fragility of our feathered friends and the responsibilities that come with being a chicken parent. As the poster reflects on their journey of learning, they highlight a poignant truth: no matter how experienced we think we are, the world of chickens is full of surprises and challenges. This sentiment echoes through the broader chicken-keeping community, where shared experiences can help us learn, grow, and ultimately bond over our quirky love for these sometimes maddening but wonderfully charming creatures. For anyone still navigating the ups and downs of chicken care, articles like Scissor Beak Tips can provide valuable insights into handling unexpected health issues.
The poster's fear of the coop becoming a "dangerous death box" reflects a common dilemma faced by many chicken owners, especially those who are relatively new to the experience. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when the stakes are so high—our chickens rely on us for their safety and well-being. The decision to keep the remaining girls out of the coop until improvements are made is a wise one, rooted in an emotional response to loss. It underscores the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for our feathered friends, particularly as temperatures rise. This moment of vulnerability speaks volumes about the emotional landscape we navigate as chicken owners, where pride in our flock can quickly turn into heartache. The balance between providing freedom and ensuring safety is a complex dance that many of us grapple with, especially after witnessing such a tragic event.
The broader significance of this story lies in the community's collective learning and the ongoing dialogue about best practices in chicken care. This incident serves as a wake-up call for all of us to prioritize not only our chickens' physical needs but also their emotional well-being. It's a reminder that every decision we make can have profound impacts, and the best-laid plans can go awry in an instant. As the poster reflects on their perceived failures, it’s vital for the community to come together to share knowledge and support. Articles like I love chickens, so I made a game about flying one showcase the lighter side of chicken ownership, reminding us that joy and humor can coexist with the weight of responsibility.
As we move forward, we must foster a culture of openness, where sharing our fears and failures is just as important as celebrating our successes. The question remains: how do we, as a community, build resilience in the face of loss? What systems can we put in place to better protect our chickens and support each other in our journeys? The answers may lie in continued education, shared resources, and a commitment to not only learning from our experiences but also uplifting one another in times of heartache. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but together, we can create a nurturing environment for our feathered friends, ensuring that their stories—both joyous and sorrowful—are part of our collective narrative.
Disclaimer -
Chicken owner for like 10 months so I’m still learning, and don’t know what I don’t know kind of thing. I know some will beat me up and it’s probably deserved but I’m already doing that enough. I have now read a bunch of tricks to keep them cool, that I clearly should have researched before yesterday. To my fallen girl, I am terribly sorry for failing you. Very sorry.
Question -
I’m scared to give the other 3 coop access now until I make some improvements. I’m thinking to keep them permanently in the run until I add some fans & a kiddy pool. Am I overreacting? Is my fear of the coop valid? It’s now just a dangerous death box in my eyes.
I made them sleep in the run last night because they were panting in the coop at 9p, but now I’m just scared about predators. I guess we will always be worried about something, but if they will just sit in a hot coop against their own best interests and die… then I’d rather they stay out of it.
Backstory -
Found her in the coop doa. I saw that she was struggling earlier in the day but she’s been broody, so I thought she was just going through an episode that usually ends once I remove the eggs. I brought the water to her, she sipped a little but not as much as she usually does. I thought that was strange but figured she would drink more if she really needed it.
The other 3 were out of the coop but she stayed (with water). It was very hot in there, but I just told myself she’d probably join them shortly. I heard her yell as I walking away and that’s the part that’s really fucking me.
I could have saved her. I should have saved her. She cried out for the only person that could save her, and I kept fucking walking away. I just didn’t know she was in such duress & wouldn’t try to save herself. I feel like shit and hurt a little every time I look back there & see 3 birds instead of 4. They survived such a brutal winter, just for 1 to pass away the first day it hit 90. I just told my friend how proud I was that they’re thriving and almost a year old. Then boom. Fuck.
Part of me posting this is just to share with others that can feel my pain. Thanks for reading.
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