After supper I went to visit. I discovered two ducks and two chicks dead in the pen. The only explanation is that Mama Hen decided they were intruders. I did not see the second two chicks and hope that she's accepted them.
I feel so guilty for assuming that the hen would accept all these babies into her care. I let my amusement go before my generally cautious barn sense. I showed bad judgment, and the babies paid with their short lives.
It's Ulani's birthday today, but my celebration is done.
8 comments:
It's hard to think of something comforting to say. Your heart is in the right place and your intentions were the best. Be easy with yourself.
I am so sorry. I would have done the same thing. In fact I was thinking about sticking some chicks that hatch out of my incubator under my broody hen. Lesson learned that I will not do this. Again, I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry at the outcome, and understand how you must feel....BUT, your action was done with the very best of intention, and I'm certain that you didn't think that they were in any danger. Anyone reading these posts will be alerted to the dangers and so you will have saved the lives of many other little chicks and ducklings. Maybe you can take some consolation in this.
Best wishes,
Rose H
So very sad but it appears that others are already learning. I hope you will try again.
Chickens can be pretty ruthless. I had to separate one chick from the others because they started picking at it's neck. It's healing okay now, but not before it lost all its neck feathers and had a few beads of blood.
~Randy
Sorry to hear that. I was hoping she would accept them.
Tell Ulani I wished her a happy b'day.
Hope you get to feeling better.
I walked one of the horses past my show horse yesterday and I guess because I was between them he didn't do anything. On the return trip when I was on the opposite side he way laid into her. He cause her in the hip and grazed the hock. To say I came unglued is an understatement. And really it was my own fault because he kicked her one other time, but they were tied at the trailer.
I freaked cause a hock injury is more difficult to recover from a lot of other things. She seems fine, but I feel like an idiot.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments. This morning I discovered one of the little Ameraucana chicks I'd bought hovering in the corner, so I set her up under the heat lamp, then went and bought three other chicks to keep her company (and warm). They didn't have any more Runner Ducks at the store. Maybe next week.
I'm so sorry to hear your news Johanna! I'm so much like you. Because I'm guardian of my birds I assume full resposibility for their care & I feel it right in my heart if I lose any of them. But even in Mother Nature's care things go wrong, so please do not punish yourself too harshly. You have a good heart & a caring one. Big hugs, Sara x
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