Euthanizing in a humane way

[jamiebartlett]

In case we have to put our sick chicken down, what is the nicest way to do it besides neck snapping? What's best for the chicken? Thanks, Jamie

 

[4H kids and mom]

I'm not sure about older chickens other than a chopping block and a sharp ax, because they feel no pain that way. Instant death is more humane in my eyes. Sometimes snapping a neck doesnt kill them right away and they could suffer. If its a younger chick, I've heard of freezing them because they just go to sleep and feel no pain. I'm sure others here will have their opinions also. It boils down to a personal preference in the long run anyhow. Good luck. I'm sorry about your sick chicken.

 

[SpottedCrow]

You can also use Engine Starter Fluid. It's basically ether and the bird just goes to sleep.
You wet a cloth with the starter fluid and put it in an airtight container. Then put the bird in and close the lid. Wait for 20 minutes and the deed should be done...
I can't even think of myself doing anything more radical...

 

[bayouchica]

Hi, I'm sorry about your chicken..this is a link to the other BYC board on the subject...
http://p072.ezboard.com/Time-to-euthanize/fbackyardchickensfrm30.showMessage?topicID=102.topic

 

[robin416]

My question for the freezing method is, how do they know the bird doesn't suffer? I watched a program where the moderator was demostrating the stages the human body goes through when it becomes hypothermic. Before the end stage where the person becomes unconscious there was extreme pain from his extremities as blood moved into the core of his body trying to keep him alive.

So far I've used the starter fluid method when putting a bird down. I do know they were gone in less than 20 mins but that's because I just had to check to make sure the bird wasn't suffering. They go to sleep almost instantly when placed in the container and die pretty shortly after that.

 

[Llysse]

I was given to understand that freezing isn't even considered a humane way to euthanize fish, anymore... I don't think I would recommend freezing something to death, although I don't have another method in mind. If I were you, I'd call a vet if it comes down to that, and see what he or she recommends. Presumably, the vet would have methods for euthanizing different creatures, and the office might be able to recommend something for you.

 

[soonerdog]

Jamie,
I once had a turkey hen who was such a wonderful mother turkey. I sold her and some others once and the man brought this one back with a broken leg. I was careful to catch my birds properly and I knew with certainty that her leg was not broken when I sold them to this man. Anyway, to make a long story short I gave the man his money back and kept the turkey hen with the broken leg. To my surprise she mated and raised many more litters of young turkeys. When I married and moved from home, I could no longer keep her and I knew that no one else would want her, nor would anyone ever take care of her as well as I did. So I decided to take her to the vet and put her down. They did the same method as they do with dogs and cats. It was quick. At the time is was the best thing. It was difficult for me too because I was fond of this bird and admired her courage and ability. I just could not kill this animal myself and no one else wanted her. Good luck with your decision, Johnny

 

[Wes in Tx]

SDs way is would most likely be best for you and the bird but it is costly. Quickest and best IMO is the hatchet.

 

[BigR]

Hi Jamie, I've had to do this several times and it doesn't seem to get any easier.
I reserched this quite a bit. I bought some starting fluid but just before I used it I read that it burns their eyes and lungs before it kills them so I didn't feel good about using that.
I decided I wanted the quickest way possible so I went withe the sharp axe and a tree stump.
If you go this way and plan to bury the chicken, then I strongly recommend that you dig the hole first and do the deed as close to the hole as possible. This way you can toss it into the hole and throw dirt on it.
Otherwise you will you will know first hand where the old saying
"Running around like a chicken with his head cut off" comes from.
It's not a pretty sight.

Best of luck.

BigR

 

[jamiebartlett]

Thanks everyone for your feedback, I appreaciate it. My husband and I put her down using starter fluid. She was gone within 10 minutes. She wa quiet the entire time. SO sad. But, at least she's not suffering anymore. Thanks.