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Thanks for posting that, and yes, spraddle leg can be fixed in chickens. I already pretty much solved her spraddle leg problem, though. I would NEVER think a chick should be put down for spraddle leg. Her problems are so much worse than that. Right now, at 4 weeks old, she is only a tiny bit bigger than she was when she hatched. She twitches, can't stand without assistance (NOT because of her legs), can't eat on her own because she can't support her head and get the food, can't even hold her head back to drink properly. She cries non-stop, and is forced to be alone in a box with a stuffed animal because there is no chick that doesn't hurt her.
As for freezing, I want to make sure everyone knows I NEVER indicated I think this is an acceptable method of euthanasia. I do not tolerate cold well. A few minutes of being too cold and I start shivering uncontrollably and have even started vomiting......I would never subject ANYTHING to freezing to death....certainly not this innocent little chicken who has already suffered so much.
And finally, you can rest assured this has nothing to do with me thinking she does not deserve to live.
I think she deserved to be a healthy little chick with the same potential for a long life as all the rest. Unfortunately, she is not. This has to do with the desire to end the suffering of this tiny, innocent creature who can't choose that for herself. I think all life is very valuable and I think nothing should have to suffer when there is NO HOPE for recovery. I have had animals (chicks and otherwise) that most would have given up on, but because I felt there was hope, I tried. Sometimes I failed, many times I did not. I have NEVER had a chick I thought needed put down until now.
Doing this would not be lying to her, she would never ask. I know she wouldn't be shocked if she came home and found it didn't make it. She would be relieved. She simply can't make the decision to let its suffering end.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure everyone understands, I am just trying to make the most humane choice I can. I always do. Haven't decided anything, yet. Perhaps nature will be kind and make the decision for me today.
Thank you to all who have posted.