ADDITIONAL INFO: Ugh. My Margo. Again.

[micstrachan]

Thank you all for your kind, loving thoughts. Logically I know this is going to happen, but it still hurts.

So I’ll just say it, even though I’m a little embarrassed. ***Warning*** GRAPHIC WORDING AHEAD.

I accidentally decapitated her. I read that people sometimes do a final tug to be sure during (?) the flapping. Well, I pulled the whole head and neck off at the shoulders. This was after she appeared to still be breathing after the first attempt. What a mess. Poor Margo.

Do I still send her in, and now that it’s Friday, should I wait until Monday to ship so the body stays cold? Can’t imagine e ice packs lasting all weekend in summer.

 

[micstrachan]

Please feel how much we love and support you. We recognize how difficult this is, especially when it involves a chicken that we've had a very close bond with. My memory is stuffed with the loss of many little personalities that cheered and amused me and made me feel full of love and joy. They remain with me always.

I do. Thank you. I will read up on the method you linked.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you all for your kind, loving thoughts. Logically I know this is going to happen, but it still hurts.

So I’ll just say it, even though I’m a little embarrassed. ***Warning*** GRAPHIC WORDING AHEAD.

I accidentally decapitated her. I read that people sometimes do a final tug to be sure during (?) the flapping. Well, I pulled the whole head and neck off at the shoulders. This was after she appeared to still be breathing after the first attempt. What a mess. Poor Margo.

Do I still send her in, and now that it’s Friday, should I wait until Monday to ship so the body stays cold? Can’t imagine e ice packs lasting all weekend in summer.

Yes, I say yes still send her in.
Can you put her in your refrigerator until Monday?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'm crying with you, Michelle. If I could give you an actual hug, I would. Then I'd open a bottle of wine, and we'd watch some chicken TV to cheer us up and remember her.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Our hearts are with you.

 

[micstrachan]

Thanks. MORE GRAPHICS

To be clear on my blunder. Attempted once. She flapped once and when I laid her down, her beak looked like she was breathing, so quickly repeated more forcefully. During the flapping is when I did the final tug. I think (hope) she was already gone by then.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes, I say yes still send her in.
Can you put her in your refrigerator until Monday?

Yes. She’s in the fridge now.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I've tried this method https://the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr/ described here the last two times I needed to euthanize. It's amazingly quick and painless for both chicken and chicken keeper.

I wrapped my chicken snuggly in a towel and held them and talked comfortingly to them until they and I were completely relaxed. Then I did the neck separation as described. It really is the fastest, cleanest, easiest, most humane method I've run across.

All chickens die. All people die. It's what happens leading up to the final moment that needs to be made as painless as possible to end the suffering which accomplishes nothing to change the outcome once a chicken reaches the stage where Margo is now.

Many of us have been in your spot many times, and it never gets easier. But I've found that single minded resolve once you've determined there will be no better outcome is the best approach. I've regretted many, many times having to euthanize, but have never regretted that I ended the needless suffering for us both.

@azygous, thank you for posting this link. Everyone here should read it.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@mistrachan, I am sorry for this difficult journey for you and your sweet Margo. Thank you for sharing it with us. I do hope you will come back and let us know the results of the necropsy. Your courage and love are inspiring. Hugs to you.

 

[Doublete]

I’m very sorry. I dread having to ever do this.