I feel really, really bad. It was last night, and sadly I found a beautiful young pullet (young female chicken) dead. She was one of only 2 incredibly rare ones I have, maybe only a handful of them in total in the UK. So I planned to pop her surviving sister to a cockerel, with the intention of collecting hatching eggs. So late last night, it 's quiet and dark, a good time to move birds. What I didn't know was that I was being stalked by Bramble, so when I gently popped her in the henhouse, Bramble quick as a flash grabbed the pullet, I screamed at her in shock and then yelled blue murder at her. Luckily hubby was quick to the rescue, and calmly gave Bramble the release cue,removed the bird, and took Bramble inside. I feel Bl....dy awful though.. The bird is fine, not a mark on her, which I can't quite believe, be surprised to get any eggs of her for a while though....
Oh Kate, I feel really upset to read that you are so upset First things first don't beat yourself up for reacting the way you did which was shock, I think that's perfectly normal in the circumstances. I am so glad the bird is OK which is the main thing. I know how you feel as a few years ago Charlie did the same with Grace's Guinea Pigs, she was so mad with Charlie shouted at him but the outcome was not so good. Charlie held the GP very gently in his mouth and 'dropped' on cue but it did die (very old) probably of a heart attack later that evening. He did the exact same thing to the second one the following week, same outcome, again it was very old. Grace never forgave him . Of course we blamed David because he left the yard gate open I hope you are OK. Lots of hugs to you xx
Try not to punish yourself for too long. Bramble will have already long forgotten about it. I find these reactions come in a moment of panic and fear. You were worried that she was going to hurt the chicken, it's a completely normal reaction to these situations. Just give Bramble an extra hug today
Well done Marcus! Don't beat yourself up (pointless to say, I know), these things happen and we react, noisy apes that we are. Bramble will have forgotten about it and, thankfully, no real harm done. Have cuddles wit you girlie and move on. It's exactly the same reaction as when parents scream at their kids for running off. Primal fear. It just shows you care, which is a good thing indeed
I would jolly well have screamed too! And I wouldn't have felt at all bad about it afterwards. Poor chicken, hope she survives and you get lots of successful hatchlings from her.
Gotta love you @Karen straight to the point, no frills. Grace was exactly the same and to this day has never felt bad about screaming at Charlie. x
Hey Kate , we are human ! I would also have yelled , without a shadow of a doubt , in fact I told Nell off for stalking a frog the other day, but of course , she couldn't hear me so I didn't have to feel bad ! Alls well that ends well , Bramble wont remember it , let alone bear a grudge x
Thank you all for your replies, tbh I had completely given up on desensitising her to chickens, there just seemed no point. Bramble would be there staring at them, shaking like a jelly mould, and I would be stood there wondering just how quickly I could rugby tackle her ...nope.. not a chance! The chickens have their own luxury pads behind electric fencing, and she shows no interest in those, but woe betide if they get out! sigh. She knows however, she stepped over a line. She is a bit off today, but maybe she's a bit hot, or heaven forbid another season is looming!
Totally natural reaction. I would've done exactly the same, I guarantee it. Hope your chook is ok and is laying before too long.
We are all human @Beanwood and I can guarantee that I would have shouted as well despite all my training and courses. The young pullet survived, and hopefully will produce some fertile eggs in the near future. Bramble might be a little off today but that could be her processing what made Mum shout, something that doesn't usually happen but she will be fine. Our dogs are a lot more robust than some would have us think and they do live much more in the present rather than the events of yesterday
Forgive yourself. It was a shock to you and not deliberate - Bramble will have forgotten about it long ago. If she's being different it will be because you are. xx .
Shouting is a natural reaction to us humans when shocked by something. I expect the weather is affecting her a bit today and also probably a bit unsure as she's not heard you react that way before. I'm sure she forgives you already x
Dogs are made to forgive, they do it better than we do. Bramble will forgive you, probably already has. I bet if you stepped on her foot or tail by accident she might yelp too, and then forgive you. LOL, I always say I try to be calm and level toned in my voice so the rare time I need to yell it will make an almighty impact. Generally what happens is the dog freezes in shock but frozen in shock might prevent being hit by a car or sticking a nose into an electric fence or, lots of things.
Totally agree that it's a natural reaction and Bramble has long since forgiven you, if any forgiving was even necessary. I know for me, I can remain calm in what others may consider stressful circumstances, but my anger comes out when I'm afraid. In other words, I would have reacted exactly the same!
Yup - my exact thought. Bet she has forgotten Kate. Hope your wee chook isn't traumatised for too long
That's a very good point, I have spent today watching her anxiously, she is a bit off. She is probably just watching me anxiously back. Thank you
I think we tend to worry too much when we shout, when under stress etc, to stop our dogs in their tracks. What I do know is that our dogs don't hold grudges , so relax and give Bramble a lovely cuddle - you both deserve it. On the odd occasion when I'very shouted when stressed etc. I always go to my dog and apologise for shouting (not necessarily excusing the behaviour ) with a gentle, calm voice - not sure she understands but it makes me feel better
