Dying chicken humane treatment?

[LazyGirl]

I have a slowly dying chicken. I've posted about her before not knowing what she had. Her legs don't work and even though she is over whatever caused this, her legs are severely atrophied and she can't walk. She has been kept separate for several weeks. The other chickens peck her ferociously if I let her out. She isn't moving much if I do let her out of her cage any way. She is still eating and drinking, but has stopped laying.

Any suggestions on what to do with her? Do we keep feeding her, butcher her, or let her go with the other chickens? I don't want her to get hurt by the others, but I don't know if keeping her alive is doing her any favor!

Thanks!

 

[patandchickens]

I'm sorry you're having to go thru this <hug>

I for sure would not put her out with the rest of the flock for them to pick her to pieces. I wouldn't butcher her to eat, either, not knowing exactly what was wrong with her.

So I guess your realistic options are either continue to keep her comfortable as long as she's alive, or put her out of her suffering. That's a decision that only the person THERE with the animal can really make, seeing what the animal seems like and might prefer. And depending on your personal convictions etc.

Best wishes and sympathies,

Pat

 

[silkiechicken]

Best of luck. Do what you think is best for the bird. Part of responsible ownership is to know when it is time to let go. Sorry for the sick hen.

 

[horsejody]

My neighbor recently had the same situation. The bird had Marek's and was not regaining use of her legs after 5 or 6 weeks. A local vet put it to sleep for $20.

If you can't do the deed yourself, find a farm vet. They are usually a lot cheaper than the townie vets.

 

[Oblio13]

When it comes to killing animals, what's easiest for them is usually what's hardest for you, and vice versa.

Best ways for a chicken: Wring it's neck or chop it's head off.

 

[LazyGirl]

Thanks for your replies and sympathies!
I think we will probably put her out of her misery. I'll have to get DH to do it!

 

[debbyluvschickens]

Im sorry about your chicken