Don't know what to call this thread

[Finchlark]

I’m posting this at Helen’s suggestion (solarbats) because I’m having a real hard time over it. Many of you will recall that I took on Dirk and his girls from Papizza when she moved. I can’t remember exact dates but approx six months ago. Unexpectantly some weeks ago mostly due to my husband’s ill health we decided to try to take early retirement and move to the sun. A friend wanted to buy our house so I set about rehoming my twenty odd girls and Dirk as quickly as possible as it looked like things were going to move quickly.
Not everyone wants a cockerel, so I eventually decided with Papizza’s agreement that Dirk and his girls would go to a farmer friend so that they could stay together. Here is the problem. I knew the farmer had had some fox attacks, but he assured me they would be safe. All was fine for about three weeks, then the fox got them. I was devastated. I had promised Pat they would have a home for life and I felt I had sent them to an awful end.
Even worse is the sale has fallen through and nothing else on the horizon so looks like we may not be able to move, which means I could have kept Dirk and the girls and they would have been safe.
I know these things happen, and I know no-one can predict what might happen, but I just feel so awful and so guilty about it all. I haven’t even felt able to come on the forum.
I still have eight girls left, six of them exbats. Just one girl still valiantly lays.

[MEGAN]

You really must not feel guilty you so did what you thought was giving them a lovely new home together. A very similar thing happened to me I raised some lovely chicks for a neighbour and became very very fond of them and used to go down with treats for them to his property and one morning I had a call to say that all but one had been taken by a fox overnight I was devastated. I like you thought oh why did I let them go to be killed, the neighbour had what he thought was a fox proof area. I felt so guilty for ages but came to realise that it was just one of those awful things that sometimes happen.
Im sure Pat will not blame you in anyway you were only doing what you thought was the best for them. Dirk may not have found a home as poor cockerels are very difficult to rehome as least this gave him the chance.
Im sorry your move has fallen through. Take care and really don't blame yourself none on here will judge you as fox attacks have happened to so many.

[275wright]

Finchlark, that is sad and so unfortunate but no one could possibly blame you. You only did your best and what you thought was right at the time for the little hens. Foxes take hens every day whether we like it or not and you were not to know. It could happen to any of us.

I'm so sorry things haven't gone well for you, I hope your luck changes and you get your house sold after all and can follow your dream. The main thing is don't leave the forum.....we need you. Love Sharon xxxxxx

[sandiesbrahmas]

If only....words we often use, but clairvoyance isn't a gift everyone has. You should not blame yourself for doing your best, even if the end result is not as you may have wished it.

Sorry to hear that your retirement plans fell through, but everything in life probably happens for a purpose (though the reason is not always easy to establish).

Sandie

[Littlechick]

If we could see into the future we would never make a mistake. Life is like that, sadly. We do our best at the time, that's all we can do. If you have decided that a move to the sun is the right thing for you then go for it. Be patient, you will find a buyer though it may take a while.

[Barley]

We all do things in life that we sometimes come to regret... but don't be blaming yourself over this. You did what was right and that is the main thing.
Like others have said foxes attack daily and there will always be chicken deaths whether by foxes, ill health or whatever.
You gave Dirk and his girls a good life as did Papizza so take that as a positive.

Hope you get to retire to the sun eventually.
Do stay with us on here too as we have missed you

Lin x x

[solarbats]

Yes - we have missed you Jane. As I have already said - Dirk and your hens could have come to any one of us and still had the same thing happen.
I used to find it difficult coming back on here after losing any hens, but now I find it's the best memorial you can give them - a tribute shared amongst like-minded friends.
Stay in touch please!

[doormouse]

Awful end aside...they had a better life between you and Papizza than some can ever hope for...never forget that...you never meant it to happen and could not have prevented it! Hindsight is a wonderful thing...being a loving, caring individual is even better even if the lessons are tougher Good luck with your retirement in the sun plans - they will come right one day...you and yours deserve it! M

[Nut House Hens]

Finchlark. Dont blame yourself, it wasnt as if you planned it. Pat will understand. A few weeks ago she told me what had happened and asked me at our next rescue, when the crates were full to go back in and get 3 more girls who can stay here for her. I did. Hanna, Mary & Mitty were given a chance at life because of what happened. In death comes life and 3 more ex batts will live free here at The Nut House in memory of Dirk, Sandra & Pat.
Keep you chin up and dont abandon us all here on the site. We all need each other
I know I dont get on as often as Id like anymore, but I try
Babs

[Littlechick]

What a perfect way to remember them Babs.