Handling Death in Poultry

Introduction​

When keeping poultry, this is a sad but unavoidable topic. If you keep birds, you are bound to run into this, unfortunately. Especially if this is your first time, or if you’ve dealt with it before, you may be overwhelmed, so this is a guide through the whole process. If you are considering euthanasia for your bird in pain, this is also the article for you.

Death and euthanasia​

Death in poultry can be caused by many things, including natural causes, predation, old age*, and disease. If you want to make sure that it wasn’t caused by a communicable disease, here is some information on necropsies. I would also try to determine if the cause of death was avoidable so you can protect your other birds from it, if necessary. If your bird is already deceased, you can skip to the next point. However, if your bird is passing, keep reading. If you believe there may be hope for your bird, I would post here before euthanizing. Someone will be able to give you a second opinion. If it turns out that there is no hope for your bird, you have two options:

#1. Chicken Hospice​

This is the option I use. This could involve keeping them somewhere safe and warm, offering food and water, administering medication, and doing anything else to make them as comfortable as possible in their last moments. A tote with a towel in it makes a nice little spot for them. You may also want to take into account how much longer your bird has with you, as some things will take longer than others. Be sure to say your goodbyes, and rest assured that you gave your bird a good life.

#2. Euthanasia​

I have never euthanized one of my birds, but if you have enough nerve, this might be a better option, especially if the bird is in pain. If you are unable to perform this task, I completely understand. Taking them to the vet to have this done is also an option. Below are some articles with a few different euthanasia methods.

• Putting them to sleep using ether
• Cervical dislocation, ax and stump, gas method, shooting, and broomstick method
• Break the neck, CO2, and dry ice
• Culling chicks using kitchen shears

Body disposal​

There are a couple of different ways to give your bird a “funeral”: burial and cremation. Using these methods, especially if you are in city limits, will require research on your specific area. This forum has some information on keeping poultry by zone, and you can post questions there too. There are also some articles with zoning information here. If you had your bird put down at the vet’s office, they may be able to dispose of the body for you. However, if you don’t mind something a little more informal, composting or local waste management are options depending on your location. If you plan to do any of these, please do your own research and make sure you are doing it legally.

Grief​

Some people may not be upset by losing a bird, but it hits harder for others, especially newbies. It’s ok to be upset. This article has some advice on dealing with the grief, and this article has some advice on saying goodbye. Here is a discussion about whether chickens mourn when they lose a flock mate. I was very upset when I lost “Beardie” (below), but she led an adventurous life, and we made her as comfortable as possible in her last moments. Here are some things that may comfort you after losing your bird:

1. Saving some of their feathers and possibly making a craft with them.
2. Making a post about your bird’s life here.
3. Looking back at pictures and videos of them in their prime, or as a chick.

Closing​

I hope this article is helpful and encouraging to someone who is going through this. If you have any recommendations, please privately message me. God bless, and have a great day!

---

* This article is about chickens passing, due to old age.