Bloated hen, tail down, slow moving - not sure what to do

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most suffering birds lay quietly. It's an instinct so other chickens won't peck them to dead. If a chicken acts sick it becomes a target.

I have seen a lot of sick or dying chickens over the years. Some deaths seem peaceful, and I leave them be, but many are a slow lingering death where they slowly starve, or are in pain.

The outcome is the same, it's just a matter of quality of life, and a quick merciful death. A chicken doesn't think about wanting more time before it dies. It only feels what it is feeling and lives in the moment.

Signs that it's time to cull are does it eat or drink? Get up and walk around? Does it scratch and vocalize? Someone who thinks a chicken is resting peacefully doesn't understand chickens.

I can't give advice about putting it down as my husband does that for me. I am a coward when it come to the act.

 

[accidental farmer]

Thank you much @oldhenlikesdogs
This makes sense to me and validates what I think is going on. Fortunately the chicken has perked up since I moved her crate to the barn. When I brought her afternoon tea, she vocalized excitedly, drank water and ate her food & treats. I don't have any expectation she will recover but I feel less anxious. I will continue the search for someone to help me euthanize her or I will have a veterinarian come in.

 

[accidental farmer]

Thank you much @oldhenlikesdogs
This makes sense to me and validates what I think is going on. Fortunately this chicken has perked up since I moved her crate to the barn. When I brought her afternoon tea, she vocalized excitedly, drank water and ate her food & treats. I don't have any expectation she will recover but I feel less anxious. I will continue the search for someone to help me euthanize her or I will have a veterinarian come in.

 

[rebrascora]

I use the broom shank method to dislocate the head from the neck.... an axe and tree stump are also quick, but you have to be confident.
If she has perked up a bit and is eating then I would say it is not time yet, but doing research on the subject and making plans or arrangements now will help it go more smoothly as and when the time comes.

 

[accidental farmer]

I use the broom shank method to dislocate the head from the neck.... an axe and tree stump are also quick, but you have to be confident.
If she has perked up a bit and is eating then I would say it is not time yet, but doing research on the subject and making plans or arrangements now will help it go more smoothly as and when the time comes.

Thank you @rebrascora . es, I agree - it's not time yet. Though when the time comes, I'm hoping someone will help me with cervical dislocation. We'd like her head on for the burial.

 

[rebrascora]

The thing you should be prepared for is the after death spasming.... lots of jerking and flapping. It can be quite disturbing and prolonged but does not mean that the method was not quick and clean. I would be less concerned about keeping head and body connected and more with making the act quick.... ie it is better to pull too hard and pull the head off than not pull hard enough and not fully dislocate the neck and the bird not be killed cleanly. The bird will not care if it's head is connected to it's body when it is buried, so you should not either. I know this process is not easy for you, but it is important to be clear about the goals and the main goal is for the bird to be dead as quickly and cleanly as possible. I have used the broomstick method of cervical dislocation numerous times and probably only pulled the birds head of twice. Once was the first time because I had no idea how hard to pull but knew that too hard was better than not hard enough. I think the second time was a pullet after I had been used to doing surplus cockerels that are much tougher and more sinewy, so the same amount of force will not necessarily have the same effect on every bird. I once did not pull hard enough with an older cock bird and had to have a second attempt and that occasion lives in my conscience. I won't ever make that mistake again.

 

[accidental farmer]

Thank you @rebrascora for reminding me that euthanasia about the hen's needs - not about our human sensitivities. I'll go for the quickest, most humane method.
I appreciate your amazing generosity. I'd still be floundering without you and the others on this forum.

 

[rebrascora]

I'm pleased you took my comments in the manner they were intended. It does you great credit that you are sensitive to other perspectives and open to changing your views. Your friends are very fortunate to have such a caring person looking after their flock, particularly in such a delicate situation. I think it is amazing that you have joined a forum like this to improve your knowledge, just so that you can deal with this problem in the best way possible, when you are only house sitting these chickens. That really shows your level of commitment and responsibility.
I really hope she makes a come back and you don't have to action all this info but if you do, I hope it goes as smoothly as these things can.