EMERGENCY! I don't know what I've got, but something is WRONG!

[Hatrick]

I don't want to make any rash decisions but we're leaving for four days of camping on Friday, and even though I have a chicken sitter, I don't know if I want her left with someone else to die, and what if that happens while we're gone? That wouldn't be what our chicken sitter signed up for that's for sure. It's just this breathing thing, how long is she going to do that for?

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

hum... sounds like there is a decision to make. i'm not sure that leaving a sick bird in someone else's care is fair to anyone.

there is no way to tell how long this may last or if she is going to get better. maybe revisit the decision on wednesday? if she lasts that long than she might just get better if not....well there you have it.

we butcher our chickens here so we give them the axe. to be specific - my husband does the killing and i stand there with my eyes covered. somewhere there was a post about putting them in a plastic tub with gas soaked rags but i cannot remember what the exact details. my recollection is that the baking soda thing was for chicks, not hens. i also know that one gal had her vet do it and they basically gave the bird a shot in the heart.

the thing is - putting on my completely rational voice here - its a chicken. you did your best, its no one's fault, spending a ton of money you dont have for a sick bird may not be the decision for your family. in farming not all critters make it and thats just part of it.

it sounds like the stress of this whole thing is hard on everyone. you are there and as a mommy (i'm guessing you are???) use your 'mommy-instinct' and go with your gut. if you feel like the hen isnt going to make it - then go ahead and have her put down. i'd call that farmer you know and ask for his help.

i know that you arent getting a definite answer from anyone and i think we all feel like you can make the best determination. i think that you have the support of everyone here - and that we all understand that you are in a tough spot.

let us know - we are all pulling for you.

 

[Hatrick]

Thank you, so much. It still sucks.

And of course we don't play favourites, but Maple was our favourite. She always tries to steal your jewelery when you went to give her a treat.

 

[Hatrick]

I found a local farmer who is a friend of the family who is willing to end Maple's suffering. I was not prepared to have to deal with this aspect of chicken ownership, let alone so early on. I can't watch her struggle to breathe anymore and don't want to leave her with someone else when I don't even know what's wrong with her, or how to properly care for her.
I give huge credit to those of you out there who are able to nurse sick or injured chickens back to health. It takes a great deal of dedication. We're left now with three girls and fingers crossed that everyone remains healthy from now on. Thanks for all the advice and words.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i'm so sorry, honey. but i'm glad your farmer buddy can handle the situation. i have two hens that i really love and we are about to have to "do something" with them both.

you did everything you could and really gave it the old college try... so good for you for that. and yes, its perfectly ok to cry over your little friend.

take care,