Dying Chicken

[UrbanFarmer]

one of my chickens has been on the decline for a while. She is an older chicken (not sure exactly, been told at least a few years) that we got from someone as a full grown hen. We did take her to the vet and got some meds for her as well as eye drops and creams for her inflammed eye. She ended up going blind in that eye. We've been trying to pamper her and treat her as nice as possible, however she is just getting more and more lethargic and hardly eating or drinking. My husband and I have been talking about the quality of her life and we dont think she should have to continue like this. What should we do? What is the correct way to let her go. Is it even time? She is a bantam Cochin, how long do they live for normally? Any help is very much appreciated. thank you

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

I am a vet tech, and my professional, as well as personal opinion is that if she is at the point that you are both questioning her quality of life (which by what you've said, I agree with you) then it is time to let her go. It sounds like you've done what you could for her, and have provided her with all the love and care that you could. Personally, with a pet chicken, I would take her in to have her humanely euthanized...I could never "do the deed" with any pet myself, though my DH is willing to help out in that case if there is no time to get to my clinic...

I am so sorry that you are facing this, good luck to all of you...

 

[saddina]

Quote:
You're going to get several opinions on this one. Since you've already taken her to the vet once, you may want to call back and see if they can euthanize for you (should be about $10). If that's not an option, well, what's easier on the chicken is a fast death, and for that I'd suggest a neck snap or a throat slit, both are awful for you, but done quick and without hesitation and the bird won't feel pain.
Sorry for your loss.