Thanks @FrostRanger. That was my original thought but neighbor was evasive about means to the end and it just wasn't a discussion we were able to have. Moreover, the state vet was a little skeptical about what might be discovered if shipping the body across the state.
I was pretty much done...
@WhatsUpDuck, I believe an animal with a personality, a chicken for example, has some sort of soul. The animal does not choose good nor evil but does have a self and that self matters. The state vet was telling me certain animals-- like crocodiles and snakes-- are so primitive that really all...
@Appalachickens thank you for your kind words. I brought her to the neighbors a couple hrs ago for culling so I assume the deed is done by now. I hope it went smoothly and am glad she's no longer miserable. Since it had been several hours with no call back from vet I decided to forego idea of...
Thanks @Eggcessive . I had a really good talk w/the state lab guy who gave an hypothesis and instructions on best thing to do. His preference was to have her euthanized in vet office where body parts could be immediately put in formalin. I'm waiting to hear back from vet office about what...
@Eggcessive Yes, that makes sense. Do you know off hand whether the manner in which she is dispatched will affect how she is examined there? Neighbor was not interested in viewing video on cervical dislocation--not sure how he would dispatch her, though he might shoot her. Not really able to...
Chicago is still alive but condition no different. I believe she's on her way out but would like to learn from this experience.
Palpated carefully and feel pretty sure I am feeling her crop in the correct location down low but above breast bone. I thought I was feeling this even before giving...
That makes good sense. I think I read your post about that when I was researching NutriDrench. Neighbor came by to pick up my bird and I asked if we could wait until tomorrow. In Chicago's case, I'm willing to give a bit of a longer chance so long as she's mostly sleeping and in no apparent...
You can look up torpedo food--I'll link it if I can find it--you basically make little pellets you can shove into the mouth. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/guide-torpedo-feeding-what-is-it-and-when-to-use-it.1532744/
For birds who can still eat, others on this forum have recommended...
@Wyorp Rock thank you--and she does seem aware of my presence when she's not sleeping. @Eggcessive quick update as I'm re-thinking culling idea.
I've gotten 41 ml (8.3 tsp) of electrolyte water into her so far today. Either my technique has improved or she's so weak she can no longer keep her...
@Bejep714 I've been told here that means she hasn't eaten in awhile (I have a bird in similar circumstances but much more ill than yours and this is what was said to me). It's great that you're on top of this, as it's shocking how quickly these sweet birds can go downhill.
@Appalachickens Yes, I'm very glad I can free range where I live. I've seen an adult chicken catch and eat live mice, birds and frogs. Also, at least where I live, they are better able to protect themselves from the weather by having many choices about where to go. Good luck on your chicken...
@Appalachickens that might be a possibility. I really love these chickens and enjoy caring for them.
However, of the 5 original flock from 3 yrs ago, only one is still alive/in good health. She's a different breed than the Cinnamon Queens, so maybe that's why. In the past 3 yrs I've been in a...
@Appalachickens I'm not confident enough w/ a gun to be sure I'm not going to do it wrong. My neighbor said he can do it this afternoon. I'm relieved but still sick at heart. I have 3 other hens and after them I won't be getting any more. I had thought I could handle all of this but I guess...
Thanks, @FrostRanger --I just edited my post bc the guy showed the broomstick method as well. Ok, I'll do it that way. I'm going to wait till after I've checked with neighbor and if that's a no go, I'll do it myself with broomstick.
Everyone's support and knowledge here have been invaluable...
@Eggcessive @WhatsUpDuck I know you are right. If I were reading this post I would be thinking it's time to cull. @Eggcessive I don't have nutridrench but could go out and try to find some at the farm store. I have been giving her water + electrolytes and vitamins--that's the fluid she's been...
@Eggcessive I thought this video on tube feeding was good: , but it's just me here alone and looks very dangerous if done incorrectly. I'm just barely getting the water in the beak technique down and that's only when I can somehow get that beak open. But I will do this if it seems the best...
@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @SnackMeat @FrostRanger You are all so very kind, it warms my heart. Believe it or not, this bird is still alive. She looked a little more alert this morning, turning her head and opening eyes when I entered the room. I somehow was able to get 4 syringes of...