Dispatching a strong alert bird - newbie - advice?

[jodievaughan]

My Barred Plymouth Rock hen Pickle who's about 8 years old has had pendulous crop on and off for over a year now. In the last few months, it hasn't reduced back down and has just slowly gotten bigger. Yesterday she seemed a bit off and today she's obviously feeling very unwell.

I have tried it all to resolve her pendulous crop (short of surgery as I haven't found a vet anywhere near me that'll try to treat her), nothing has worked long-term.

I'm thinking it is time to dispatch her. I can't find a vet today or tomorrow to euthanise. I've only done it once before myself using the broomstick method - this was on an extreme case of prolapsed vent, intestines and all. She didn't resist one bit and yet I still found it really difficult mentally to do.

This hen Pickle is still alert and is also strong and much bigger than the last! I'm frightened I won't do it right. I don't have anything sharp to use. I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to go about the broomstick method, or any other suggestions anyone might have?

I'd really appreciate any help, thank you!

 

[nuthatched]

Take her off the roosts at night.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My Barred Plymouth Rock hen Pickle who's about 8 years old has had pendulous crop on and off for over a year now. In the last few months, it hasn't reduced back down and has just slowly gotten bigger. Yesterday she seemed a bit off and today she's obviously feeling very unwell.

I have tried it all to resolve her pendulous crop (short of surgery as I haven't found a vet anywhere near me that'll try to treat her), nothing has worked long-term.

I'm thinking it is time to dispatch her. I can't find a vet today or tomorrow to euthanise. I've only done it once before myself using the broomstick method - this was on an extreme case of prolapsed vent, intestines and all. She didn't resist one bit and yet I still found it really difficult mentally to do.

This hen Pickle is still alert and is also strong and much bigger than the last! I'm frightened I won't do it right. I don't have anything sharp to use. I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to go about the broomstick method, or any other suggestions anyone might have?

I'd really appreciate any help, thank you!

I'm sorry about your hen.

She has a pendulous crop, do you keep a crop bra on her to help the crop to empty?

For hens, dispatching using the broomstick method is basically the same for all of them. If you wish, swaddle her in a piece of cloth or towel to help control her better.

If you have someone that hunts, they could shoot her, that's another option.

 

[CoopBoots]

I'm sorry about your hen.

She has a pendulous crop, do you keep a crop bra on her to help the crop to empty?

For hens, dispatching using the broomstick method is basically the same for all of them. If you wish, swaddle her in a piece of cloth or towel to help control her better.

If you have someone that hunts, they could shoot her, that's another option.

Seconding swaddling. Swaddling can help a lot. I've seen people cut a tee-shirt sleeve to restrain the wings; I bet you could also use stretchier material like an old sweater sleeve depending on size. Also, an eye covering / face cover can help calm them a lot. I only use that RIGHT before I dispatch. You could use a cut off sock neck to avoid any breathing impediments while still covering the eyes pretty well.