I still need some help Pretty Please with chicks on top, AND pictures. - Page 2  

I'd rather have someone take responsibility and give me a gentle and peaceful exit than slowly die under the painful crush of my own weight, but that's just me.

I believe you have a male and a female, you can't breed them because they probably can't walk by now for more than 2 feet, much less procreate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by InTheJungle 

I did not post to be told I need to butcher my pets. You don't know how many times I get told that. I really would like to enjoy them during their short lives while I have them. I would have no problem trading them off, but I can't butcher and eat someone I know.
I want to know if they are boys or girls.

I'm not familiar with the breed, but I don't think the differences between your birds is significant enough to show 2 different sexes. Have you looked for saddle feathers?  My uneducated impression is that they are all girls.

I understand how you feel. I don't kill/eat my chickens because A) I don't want to, and B) I don't have to. If however, of one of my birds was suffering, I wouldn't be able to stand it and I'd feel obligated to do something. Not trying to pile on more criticism, but I do sympathize. May I tell you the story of Frank? I think you'll understand.

About 25 years ago I rescued a large white chicken that was lying in the middle of a busy highway. He had fallen off of a poultry transport truck when a door came unlatched. There were several dead chickens nearby, but amazingly this one was not injured. He sat so calmly on the front seat next to me, and looked around with such interest and earnestness, that I named him Frank. I took him home and checked him over for injuries and quickly noticed that he was not like any chicken I'd ever encountered.

Frank had obviously spent the majority of his short life crammed in a small cage with other chickens. Frank didn't know how to walk, had most of his beak cut off, and did not know how to drink from a dish. (He was great at eating! )  Given the chance, he quickly started walking and I taught him how to drink. He slept in a horse stall on the floor and seemed to want company when I visited with him. He liked to be pet and followed me around.

About 2 weeks later, a man living nearby wanted to show Frank to his friend, and I said ok, but not to crow at him, as he hadn't started yet, and I didn't want him getting any ideas. So of course, that's the first thing they did,   and from that point on Frank crowed. Loudly.   But I still loved him and thought he was a great little pet.

Then it happened. A couple of weeks later, his legs gave out. He seemed content enough, was eating and drinking fine, and used his wings to move himself around, but I quickly realized this couldn't last (he was wearing holes in his wings) and a couple of days later, I took him to the vet to be euthanized. Not fun.

I cherish my memories of Frank and given the choice, would probably do it all again (except for the vet part- I'd find somebody to do it more quickly).  I know it seems silly to some, but I had a good job and few expenses (no kids!) so if I spent a little extra cash on a chicken headed to slaughter anyway, that's my business.  Others choose to spend money on fancy cars and jewelry and I don't presume to pass judgement. I think most of the responses you received have come out of concern for the chickens, but as you seem to care for them a great deal, I'm sure you will not let them suffer. Enjoy your pets and best wishes.

ETA:   I did not see your last post #12 while I was typing. Sorry you've had such a bad experience on BYC.

Dear In the Jungle:

If you dare to come back to this post, I wanted you to know that I felt so sad for you and would have been upset like you with some of the comments when you just wanted to know the gender. I am very glad I did not have to read the unedited post of the one person. There are definitely people on here that do not consider these chickens as pets but food. They are definitly allowed to live that way but there are those of us that do consider them as pets and enjoy them as that and are allowed to live that way too. I think that they could have used a little more tact when telling you about the breed. You sound like some one who does not want your pet to suffer and you would have taken care of what you needed to do. Those of us that love animals do not want any of them to suffer whether we eat them or not.

I just wanted you to know that I felt for you and am sorry you had this experience. I have heard of a few other having bad experiences but in general, most people are helpful and "open-minded".

I hope you enjoyed them for the time you had them :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxannemc 

I am a newbie  so dont know a thing but have a question ;,.if you butcher this breed F  and M both  at 3 1/2 months old how do you ever get more?Who lays the eggs?Another breed bred by a 3 1/2 month old  roo?.Just wondering.

they arent pure breeds they are crosses (white rock with a cornish) 

i will never buy a meat chicken on purpose i could never butcher the bird but i also would never be able to watch it eat and eat and eat and eat as thats all these crosses will do and they will become to heavy and will not be able to walk i rather butcher the chicken at a few weeks of age when its supposed to be than watch it kill itself by always eating. those look like cockerels to me.

ive thought about getting some Cornish and some rocks to breed meat birds and havent gotten around to eat and in the long run it probably would save me some money as well by having my own meat birds and i could also sell the chicks around here as well. 

its not that we are trying to upset you as i went to school for pre-vet med its what they are meat birds that need to be butchered before they suffer a more horrible and painful death. none of us here would want to see any chicken (or any other animal) in pain and suffering and everyone here is more straight forward and will not sugar coat anything they tell you the truth and it unfortunately might not be what you want to hear. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by InTheJungle 

So glad you edited that because my email actually took me to your un-edited post, and I must say that was a very hurtful remark and I do take offense as I am an active member of the American Animal Hospital Association. I have been raising small exotic parrots for over twenty years as well as rats, mice, snakes, cats and dogs.
I know what it's like to live in pain, and unable to walk without the aid of a cane. I am disabled myself and these chickens make me feel good when I interact with them.
My partner and I have decided to trade them off to some one who can do the deed and in turn let me have a couple of their hatchlings.
You can close this thread now. You've all made me feel very lousy today and I even had to go buy a bag of feed.

My comment was not monstrous, but I did choose to edit it because the OP seemed emotional and I did not want to overwhelm them with advise on pet ownership.  I am extremely hurt right now that this was not kept private.

Edited to keep this forum a positive place. 

 Wait, what am I doing?  I'm going to get married in less than 5 months to the best and most wonderful man in the world, I have 6 lovely pet hens that I pamper and spoil, and my life is wonderful!!!  I'm not saddened by untrue things.  How silly of me.

I think I'll go dance and live within my joy   

We are done here.