Had to put down Charles, my Rooster (warning: graphic description)

[cicene mete]

My 11-month-old Bantam Cochin rooster (not the one in the picture) developed Marek's. We knew this was possible, because it's in our area, and we tried to nurse him back to health, but after about three weeks, DW and I knew it was time. He was a very good boy, and he always let us hold him. As usual, it's always the favorite that gets sick, injured, or taken by predator.

We had used the broomstick method before, but this time I used a hatchet so that I could do it on my own and spare DW from having to deal with it. He went quickly, but I do have a question for those who have had to kill their birds in this way. I don't want to get too graphic, but although the first strike clearly snapped his neck, the blade was not sharp enough to completely sever his head on the first blow. I know this is gross, but I would really like to know what the best way is to sharpen a hatchet. It was brand-new, but I would like it to be razor-sharp, because I want to make sure that if (when) I have to do this again, there is no chance that the chicken will suffer at all.

Ugh. Chicken keeping has been incredibly rewarding for me, and they bring a lot of joy, but sometimes on days like today, it just plain sucks!

 

[seminolewind]

How sad, I lost a 2 year old the same way, but ended up letting the vet do it. The main nerve runs from the brain down the spinal column. If you sever the sever the spinal column, I think the nerve is done for. Sorry for your loss.

No matter how you do it, most will flail around, but it's a reaction, not pain.

 

[Suzie]

So sorry for your loss and the experience of having to end his life - we have a "humane killer" it breaks the neck but does not sever the head of ours - You would have broken his neck and severed his spinal cord. It is so hard to end the life of any animal you love but I am sure you did not let him suffer - so many methods I have read about on this site seem to be argued about and I prefer any method that is quick and as relatively painless as possible for our beloved chickens and roosters.
Rest assured you did the right thing for him.
Suzie

 

[cicene mete]

Thanks for the kind words. Suzie, do you have a link or a picture of the device you use? I don't think they are common in the US, but I would be interested in knowing how well they work.

Charles is now buried underneath a very nice tree.

Thanks again for the

 

[mdbokc]

Using a grinder, you c an put a super fine edge on the tool.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

You're right cicene mete, it does seem like it is always the favorites. So sorry for your loss.

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
Isn't that the truth! Always the favorites.

 

[abaldewin]

I am very sorry for your loss