a hard subject - putting a hen out of her misery.

[spish]

ive never done it before and hoped i wouldnt need to, but the time has come
ive read some 'methods' on the internet but they all seem so hard and gruesome.
am i allowed to ask on here..what way is 'best' or how do you do it?

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

I'm sorry....

Sometimes it is the best thing to do. We had to euthanize a cockerel who's knees gave out. Poor boy couldn't even stand up to eat or drink.

My husband decided the hatchet was quickest and kindest. But it was messy, and I think a bit traumatic. A book I read recommended a very quick neck wring. I haven't tried it.

 

[Lollipop]

The ax is easiest and most humane. Over quickly. It can be somewhat messy, as mentioned, so do it away from anything you want to keep clean. After years of experience you will learn just how hard to swing the ax to minimize the mess. Just do it and tell yourself it`s the right thing to do...........Pop

 

[Tangerine farmer]

I hit a young hen on the head with a hammer. I had kept her very quiet and had stretched her neck forward, out on the ground.

I took the side of the hammer and SLAM hit her on her little head. .. she I am SURE didn't feel anything more than a terrible, quick headache. But her body did rear up and react. I hit her again and blood flowed out of her ears. I knew she was brain dead, But I could see her neck vein/artery pumping the blood into her head from her heart. It took about 30 seconds before that settled down.

The way I saw a pig killed was with an electric shock to the head... the heart keeps beating, but the brain is gone.

I wanted her brain gone, not knowing if really, wringing her neck would be fast enough. AND I couldn't wring her neck!!!!

It was not a nice thing to do, but my little Ann couldn't walk, her legs were useless and she had stopped eating. I just didn't want to have her starve and linger. She is buried with a little birdhouse ornament on her grave.

An ax to the neck may be easier. I may have to do it again and I may try that. I am not looking forward to it!!

Best wishes for this thing you have to do!

 

[spish]

well shes gone. not something i hope i have to do again soon

many thanks for the help