Culling Question - Sad Day in the Handbasket Household

[Sjisty]

I had to euthanize one of my hens last year. I got the starter fluid (ether) and soaked a rag with it. She was a pet and was very tame so I sat her on my lap and petted her and talked to her while I placed the rag over her face. She was very calm and just went to sleep. I cried the whole time, but I felt good that her suffering was over.

 

[HHandbasket]

It's over. Thank God.
Thank YOU all. This is the most awesome group of folks around!

All around to everyone.

 

[Sjisty]

 

[hencackle]

For birds that won't be eaten, I've wondered about using liquid Benadryl prior to using a hatchet, knife, etc. Something to make the bird more relaxed beforehand, so they are less likely to flail.

 

[gryeyes]

I am so very glad you found someone to handle this task for you (and your beloved girls). I dread the day I have to address the issue with any of mine.

(But if this cat of mine doesn't stop trying to sit on my iPad while I'm trying to use it, I may practice on his fuzzy butt!)

He knows I'm not feeling well and am sniveling, so he's dispensing feline comfort.

The suffering is over for you Martha and Rhoda.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thinking of you and your husband and relieved to hear it's over.

 

[HHandbasket]

You know what's odd about this whole thing?

Now that the sicklies are gone, the rest of the flock is chipper as can be, foraging around the yard and seem to be happier than they've been in a while. Probably has a lot to do with the sunshine, but we had sunshine the last couple of days & they didn't act like this. I think the two chickens that were in pain were stressing out the rest of the flock. DH refilled the hole where we were going to put the carcasses, but the rest of the girls have already made themselves at home in the loose dirt and have spent the afternoon sunning and dust-bathing and diggin' out worms. All 6 remaining girls are sitting together, including the 2 that just came this past week.

I feel a lot better now. I know we did the right thing, not just for the two that were suffering, but for the rest of the flock, as well.

 

[easttxchick]

I'm glad it's behind you and you know you did the right thing.
Hope the rest of your flock is happy and healthy!