Gasping for air

[cgreese]

Would it be more stress on her if I held her close until she passes or leave her be in peace?

 

[cgreese]

If it were me, I would hold her. I would think she'd appreciate the warmth & caring.

Ok. Thank you.

 

[casportpony]

Thank you. It’s just so tough watching her. Would it cause her more stress if I were to just hold her close until she passes or leave her be in peace?

So sorry you are going through this. If you want to let her pass naturally I think it would be less stressful for both of you if you place her in a box, then place her somewhere that's dark and warm. After you do that, fix your password or create a new account at Vimeo, then post the video here.

If she really is suffering, euthanasia is the option I prefer.

 

[azygous]

You know your hen better than we. If she and you had a close bond and she's always enjoyed the closeness of being cuddled, then perhaps she would be comforted.

But be aware that the end may not be so timely. She could have a lot more stress and suffering ahead before she dies naturally. I and many others who have had chickens for years prefer to end the suffering and not let it be prolonged. Once we realize the chicken has no chance of recovery, we euthanize. http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2017/02/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr/

 

[cgreese]

If it were me, I would hold her. I would think she'd appreciate the warmth & caring.

I was able to get a little water in her between gasps, but she gurgles when she swallows it.

 

[cgreese]

You know your hen better than we. If she and you had a close bond and she's always enjoyed the closeness of being cuddled, then perhaps she would be comforted.

But be aware that the end may not be so timely. She could have a lot more stress and suffering ahead before she dies naturally. I and many others who have had chickens for years prefer to end the suffering and not let it be prolonged. Once we realize the chicken has no chance of recovery, we euthanize. http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2017/02/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr/

Thank you for the link. I am still pondering. Part of me wants to see if she shows any sign of improvement in the next couple of hours and part of me knows it’s not likely and I should cull.

 

[jonalisa]

Handle it as it comes. Get a warm towel from the dryer, you can wrap and hold her. See if it calms her.

 

[cgreese]

Thank you for the link. I am still pondering. Part of me wants to see if she shows any sign of improvement in the next couple of hours and part of me knows it’s not likely and I should cull.

I held her for a long while, but she is now in a box - she is wrapped up and warm. She is still struggling to breathe.

 

[cgreese]

Handle it as it comes. Get a warm towel from the dryer, you can wrap and hold her. See if it calms her.

I held her in a warm towel for a while, she is now in a box all wrapped up in a dark, quiet room. I will keep you posted. Thank you so much for your ideas and compassion.

 

[cgreese]

You know your hen better than we. If she and you had a close bond and she's always enjoyed the closeness of being cuddled, then perhaps she would be comforted.

But be aware that the end may not be so timely. She could have a lot more stress and suffering ahead before she dies naturally. I and many others who have had chickens for years prefer to end the suffering and not let it be prolonged. Once we realize the chicken has no chance of recovery, we euthanize. http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2017/02/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr/

Gosh... so does it ever get easier?? I have been through this a couple of times and it’s always so heartbreaking.