As chicken keepers, many of us have come across the same road blocks, and have had to do a lot of our own vetting and treating of our beloved pets and livelyhoods alike due to lack of vet support for the animals we choose to keep. There seems to be a lot of strong feelings when it comes to euthanizing...a subject that many of us have had to face. Here, I would like to create a friendly and supportive environment to discuss the subject. Methods, results, and why you choose that particular method.
Personally, I have not yet had to euthanize any of my flock, but I know there may well come a time when I might be faced with the decission. The method I would probably choose is as follows. This method is one that is often used in wildlife rehabilitation, and carries over well for my chickens, since I will be doing most of my vetting and treatment on my own (due to complete and utter lack of any vet that does chickens in my area).
A largish storage tote with a lid, a heating pad, a bowl, and a block of dry ice. The bowl is to hold the ice, placed at one end of the tote. The heating pad placed under the other end. The animal (in this case a chicken) to be placed inside the tote on the end with the heating pad (I like to use blankets for extra comfort). Close the lid, seal it, and give it time. I also have the option of injectable methods at my disposal, but since most of us will not, I would like to share a somewhat quiet, "peaceful", and clean death (as far as death, which by definition, is really none of those things goes).
You may not agree, but please do it diplomatically. Death is an extremely sensitive topic for many people. Please share your viewpoints and methods, but PLEASE do not try to force your views or methods on others. I merely want to make available multiple methods and options for those of us unfortunate enough to have to face this subject.
Personally, I have not yet had to euthanize any of my flock, but I know there may well come a time when I might be faced with the decission. The method I would probably choose is as follows. This method is one that is often used in wildlife rehabilitation, and carries over well for my chickens, since I will be doing most of my vetting and treatment on my own (due to complete and utter lack of any vet that does chickens in my area).
A largish storage tote with a lid, a heating pad, a bowl, and a block of dry ice. The bowl is to hold the ice, placed at one end of the tote. The heating pad placed under the other end. The animal (in this case a chicken) to be placed inside the tote on the end with the heating pad (I like to use blankets for extra comfort). Close the lid, seal it, and give it time. I also have the option of injectable methods at my disposal, but since most of us will not, I would like to share a somewhat quiet, "peaceful", and clean death (as far as death, which by definition, is really none of those things goes).
You may not agree, but please do it diplomatically. Death is an extremely sensitive topic for many people. Please share your viewpoints and methods, but PLEASE do not try to force your views or methods on others. I merely want to make available multiple methods and options for those of us unfortunate enough to have to face this subject.