Chick not doing so well, could someone please help? I need some ideas.

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i wonder if she is an internal layer. That might explain the mass in her abdomen. Or she could have a cancerous mass. If you have a vet you could take her in. That might end up costing many hundreds of dollars, though.

It's a tough call. i've never had to cull a chicken. Not sure i could do it. If it were me, and i didn't have the money to take her to the vet, i would keep her warm and dry, provide food and water, and let nature take its course.

i'm sorry. i know this is heart wrenching.

 

[cassandra7022]

Thanks Colleen, I've had her 2 years now and never noticed anything wrong with any of them before. They have all just been fat and happy doing their thing. I think I may call the vet just to get some advice. I don't have the kind of money it takes for vet services. My husband passed away almost a year ago now and I have to sweat this stuff all by myself. I just hate to see her like this and it is starting to get stinky in here. I'm keeping the waste picked up as much as I can.
I guess I'll see what the vet says and go from there. thanks for the advice.......

 

[RM44]

My heart goes out to you. I had to put down my very first chicken today and it wasn't easy. It's hard watching them suffer. I hope you can come to terms with whatever decision you feel you must make. You are being a good chicken mom and seem to be very caring over the animals you are providing for. Warm thoughts and prayers coming your way!

 

[cassandra7022]

I just read that I can take an airtight container and soak a rag in starter fluid and that would be a way I could euthanize my hen. Is this way a more humane way to do this? her condition hasn't changed. It almost feels like the egg didn't turn all the way and I think it is stuck in there sideways. I used my finger again while she was in a warm bath and she expelled a little poo, but still no results. she has been picking a little at her food. I just don't want her to suffer. If someone could let me know for positive about the starter fluid and how long this will take to put her down, I sure would appreciate any and all advice.....thanks so much

 

[fiberart57]

It doesn't sound good, I'm afraid. If there was some shell, blood and abnormal material being passed, she's probably got a broken egg in her duct. She possibly has torn some part of her oviduct which in turn can become infected very quickly and she'll end up with peritonitis. She may linger in misery for a few days and this will be terrible for her.

At this point, it's possible to administer antibiotics via a syringe and needle. I've never done it myself, but others here have and could give you excellent advice or you could ask the vet. There are oral antibiotics but I think that they won't be effective at this point.

The other option is to humanely kill her. After reading a variety of opinions here, the best and most humane method is decapitation or cervical dislocation. A large knife, hatchett or a broomhandle can be used. I have not had to kill one of my chickens but I have put many small things out of their misery when I've found them on the road and/or as a result of my wretched cat.

It's best not to think too hard about this, just do it. Go into emotionaless autopilot, do the job, and grieve afterward. It's painful on you but as their Person we owe it to them to help them along their way. In some ways, we've chosen to be their Nature.

I hope things turn out well for you and your little girl. I'm thinking of you and her.

Mary

 

[cassandra7022]

Ok well, thanks so much to everyone who offered me advice on my egg bound hen. just wanted to let everyone know that she is out of her misery now. I noticed that she had fallen over and couldn't stand anymore. I took her out and decapitated her with no problems on her part. I think she was just so out of it that it didn't matter anymore. I think she would have died tonight anyway. I did a half-assed autopsy on her and found an egg or possibly two that looked the consistency of cooked inside her. now she is in chickie heaven. Thanks again to all who helped me........

 

[fiberart57]

I'm sorry for your loss. You did well by her to help her when she was sick and send her on her way when it was beyond repair. Best wishes.
Mary

 

[RM44]

I admire your strength. I believe you went the extra step with your autopsy, and tried to learn something so you would be more prepared at the next emergency. I am not sure if I would have had that courage. You did the right thing and your strength is inspirational!

 

[ipana]

Cassandra, I'm so sorry about your hen. They really do become friends. I wish I had known something that would've helped.