Culled first chicken

[macylee36]

I recently posted mentioning my birds were being really mean to each other. I thought my one bird had healed enough and sent her back to begin mingling with the other ladies. I was trying to do it gently as they weren't really letting her back in. She spent one night outside of the coop but in the run. By the middle of today, quite a snowstorm kicked up so everybody got closed up in the coop. Well, I went to go check on things and they had pecked her down to her skull. My poor girl, I felt so bad.

I decided the most humane thing to do would be to put her down. I'd never done it before but did plenty of research on here the other night. I was prepared to do the whole thing with my hubby but he sent me away to take care of things himself. I just felt so bad that this poor chick went through being attacked by my dog (she healed from that), then getting beat up once (wasn't sure what had happened) to then have to get pecked at like that. Yes, I am a total softie but also realize when it's time to say goodbye.

On the other hand, the other birds had me so ****** I was ready to just put them all down and start fresh....but I didn't 4 birds left now.

 

[danielle82]

awwww! I'm so sorry, its rough, the animal stuff when things get sad. I had a sheep attacked by the neighbors dogs, and she was still alive....hideous. Animals deserve a good, pain free life up until its time to eat, and then a pain-free death. Its heart wrenching when it dosn't go the way its planned like with dog attacks, and pecking frenzies. You made the right choice, and I think your DH was very kind as to not have you watch <3 Don't give up though, sometimes its rough going, but you'll be a chicken expert soon!

 

[macylee36]

Thank you! I appreciate it. Yeah, I took one look at her and knew she wasn't going to be able to get past this. There was no way they'd let her back in even if she could be healed. It was pretty bad.

 

[chicknnugget]

I'm sorry for the loss of your chicken, but wow I am impressed you guys had the nerve to cull your bird. I hope I will be able to work the nerve up to do the same. I feel it is an importaint part of having a backyard flock, but ugh- I just dont know what in the world I will do.

 

[NorthernMama]

Poor thing. You made the right choice. Even if your heart is heavy

 

[Sassafras]

sorry for your loss.