Finally had to dispatch a rooster ...

[gwennym]

My top Roo, Chief, the meanest S.O.B. in the yard, had been acting weird for about a week, staying inside the barn, keeping himself separate from everyone else when he did go out, hiding, etc. Tuesday night, after work, I changed from my executive-type attire into my grubby clothes to do some gardening and found Chief lying on his side, practically dead already, bloody eyes, gasping for breath. Well, I knew what I had to do, but had a hard time anyway. You'd think it would be a pretty simple thing to do, as Chief routinely got me with his spurs, but, still, he was my critter. I got the machete, took him away from the others to a downed log and chopped his neck. Boy, did I cry! I've never killed anything on purpose before -- I'm not a hunter (I'm not opposed, just was never raised to hunt) and I am just extra sensitive when it comes to my animals. I buried him in my "chicken graveyard", although, to be honest, I have tossed dead hens/duck into the woods. In a way, I'm glad I found the courage to do it -- there's no way I could have left him gasping. Now, at least I know I have it in me to do what's necessary.

It's pretty quiet around the yard without Chief, but I'm glad he's no longer suffering. His sons are now ruling the roost.

Gwen

 

[St-Hubert]

I'm sorry you had to do that, but glad you found out that you could. I am sure I'd have done the same thing in your position.....the mercy and the crying afterwards.

 

[Gonzo]

so sorry you had to do that! But you did the right thing...

 

[thespinningcottage]

So sorry for you... do you know what his illness was? So you can watch for signs/perform treatment if necessary for your other birds.... just a thought.

 

[chooniecat]

I am very curious also-bloody eyes? parasitic? you had the mercy BEFORE dispatching him. good job. I try to think of the critters pain before I think of my own(broken heart,that is) because THATS the most merciful. and I am a crybaby. but I can do it now.

 

[gwennym]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. I think the others had pecked him, causing his eyes to bleed. Or who knows --- maybe I hit him one too many times after he came at me. I'll never know.

Gwen

 

[tnchickenut]

Quote:
Aw. Don't feel guilty and start blaming yourself! It's part of owning animals like chickens... sometimes you have to put them down. Sometimes you may even eat them.

I don't think you hitting him had anything to do with his death. He could have just got into a fight you didnt' realize had happened. One of my roosters come in at night all bloody... all over! He apparently had fought with someone and lost. Since he was eatting and drinking I cleaned him up and kept a eye on him. It never happened again. Maybe your boy just was in a worse fight.

I had to put down a few younger birds in my time and it is harder the older they are. I'm sorry.