Lailapet Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Hi, I have been an awful chicken mother! Last night before bedtime I went to check on them and as they were free ranging they were sitting in the tree. I decided to sort my son out and then sat down to finish an essay I was writing. I FORGOT the chickens! This morning in a complete panic I hardly dared look out and I saw them by the bushes and I convinced myself that all was well. As it's impossible for me to catch them or even entice them with food to get them into the run, I decided to leave them free ranging because the girl upstairs is at home during the day and Sophia would be home from school at 1pm. When I got the txt form Sophia that Marie was missing I realised I never even checked that all 4 were there at 7 this morning. They might not have been. There's no sign of anything anywhere in the garden, no feathers or blood, so she has just evaporated. I kept a very close eye on the last 3 and when they ventured into the run to drink I quickly shut the door behind them. They do seem quite skittish, but not terrified. They will not be allowed to sleep in the trees again. How strange of me to forget them, but perhaps my mind thought I had already been out there... Oh well, poor Marie. Suppose I'll have to make a few changes in my signature... Laila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 im sorry for your loss, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Sorry to hear your news but don't beat yourself up about it. Sometimes we get distracted. If a fox has taken her it will have happened really quickly and there is not always any sign or she might have escaped. At least the others are safe and tucked up safe and tight. There is always a chance she is hiding somewhere and will stroll out later. She might be under a bush or a shrub. I will keep my fingers crossed but whatever the outcome don't feel guilty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 She may still turn up, but if she doesn't please don't be too hard on yourself. A few times I have been absorbed reading this forum at 10pm at night and my husband has shouted out "don't forget to put YOUR chickens in the run". Good job he's here as I do get distracted by this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lailapet Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 Thank you!!! I know it's my fault and feel very guilty, but I also subscribe to the "can't change the past" idea so I hope I have learnt a valuable lesson. Laila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 She may well turn up. These things happen though. When you have a young family to look after it is all to easy to get distracted. I hope she comes back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 So sorry - I do hope she turns up. I shouldn't think there is anyone on here who hasn't forgotten to do something when busy - my list of sins includes forgetting to open the Eglu door one day - life is busy, and if you have children and essays to write, you can't be on chickenwatch 24/7. If a fox is going to take a chicken, it could happen at any time, not just because you left them out overnight. I'm also a firm believer in "can't change the past", you are absolutely right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy C Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Sorry to hear about Marie, I hope you find her. Remember that its only by making mistakes that we grow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...