A peaceful and comfortable death for my old hen :(

[millyandthechickens]

Hello all, I am posting to seek advice on how to make sure my lovely chicken, Silky, will have a comfortable departure. The picture of Silky (brown hen on the left) enjoying the snow!

Just a back story:
It was only 2 days ago when I noticed something was off (she was leaning against the wall and not moving) I just presumed it was the very cold weather (we had 4 inches of snow). But then in the evening she did an entire lap of the garden, calling out and somehow wouldn’t go back to the pen, even though everyone else was in and especially since she is always the first one to go in - I eventually had to carry her in but she looked wobbly on her feet and confused. Then the next day (yesterday) she never came out of the pen all day, so mid-afternoon I decided to bring her into the house where it is warm and I put her in a box with straw and some food/water. Well she hasn’t touched the food or water. The only way she has got some water (that’s if it has gone into her mouth) is from me spoon feeding her. She could stand up a bit but didn’t really walk much. Anyway, today she has been even more lethargic. She can’t stand up at all, lying down all day and only occasionally shuffling to switch positions, but even that is a struggle. She has hardly drunk anything, so I’m guessing she is dehydrated, but I’m worried that she is in pain (so I’ve put some aspirin in the water to ease any pain). We did think of putting her back into the pen with her friends but she was so wobbly on her feet I think she would fall off the perch immediately and at least in the house she is warm.

We’ve had Silky for at least 4 years and she is the oldest hen in our flock. She stopped laying eggs in February, and since then has just been very laid back and enjoying life. I wouldn’t say I’m surprised she is getting old, and is in fact just dying from old age. It just pains me to not be able to help her in anyway now. It feels like we are just waiting for her to die and I don’t know what else I can do. I can only hope that she just falls asleep peacefully forever. <3

 

[Nicsbackyardchicks]

Even though I don't have a solution for your query. I just want to say, I completely admire your dedication to Silky and my heart is with you. I would be the same and I hope you find answers from someone more knowledgeable.

much love to you all

 

[stormgirl82]

I have no advice but wanted to express my heartfelt prayers and hugs!

 

[aart]

If a bird is suffering and not able to eat/drink/poop/move around OK, and/or has some obvious disease, ailment, or injury that can't be 'fixed', I choose to euthanize by cervical dislocation using the broomstick method. I've let them linger in the past, but no more.

Spoiler: Euthanasia

Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,
Click the 'Watch this video on YouTube'

it's the only CD video I've found that doesn't remove the head.

-Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.

-Notice that she slowly stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull, this is key to success IMO.

I've found this technique to be very effective.

 

[millyandthechickens]

Thank you all for your replies and kind wishes. I am sad to say that Silky is no longer with us anymore. Over the past week, we kept her in the warmth and gave her baths to keep her comfortable and clean. She did drink fluids everyday and was passing waste so I guess there was a glimmer of hope that she could make it through. However, she was getting a lot worse these couple of days and looked like she was suffering so we came to the decision to euthanise her Whilst she is no longer here with us, she is definitely in a better place free from pain and unnecessary suffering. <3

 

[stormgirl82]

I'm so sorry for you loss.

 

[Nicsbackyardchicks]

Thank you all for your replies and kind wishes. I am sad to say that Silky is no longer with us anymore. Over the past week, we kept her in the warmth and gave her baths to keep her comfortable and clean. She did drink fluids everyday and was passing waste so I guess there was a glimmer of hope that she could make it through. However, she was getting a lot worse these couple of days and looked like she was suffering so we came to the decision to euthanise her Whilst she is no longer here with us, she is definitely in a better place free from pain and unnecessary suffering. <3

I'm am very sorry for your loss