**help**must Do The Hardest Thing!

[Wildlife]

I REALLY NEED some wise advice.My heart breaks as I write this and I feel sick to my stomach.I have a small mixed flock of one BEAUTIFUL Rooster and 11 hens.After many months of peaceful co-existence,my rooster started picking on my largest and sweetest hen GOLDIE a Buff Cochin.This abuse escalated till she was a bloody mess- he nearly scalped her!This was six or seven weeks ago and I've had her her in "protective custody"in a isolation cage during that time.She had completely healed.I will forever regret the decision to release her earlier today.We watched out for her and he seemed un-interested.Sometime this afternoon he attacked her again! We did not witness the attack.Guys, it's BAD - REALLY BAD!Not only did he tear her head up again,but her right eye is just GONE! Left eye has some damage but is open.I fear she is now blind! (I'm trying not to short out my keyboard with my tears)I'm a grown man ,but these emotions have ambushed me! The point is I know what needs to be done,but it's REALLY hard to actually do it! PLEASE give me advice on the best way to put her down(best for her AND for me)I have few options-Iown a 410 shotgun,an axe,a bucket of water.I'm not sure I can do this.PLEASE THOSE WHO HAVE FACED THIS-WHAT DID YOU DO??? I am such a huge WUSS!!!HELP! ADVICE! I will check back often. Do it now? tonight? in the morning? talk me into it >i loved her SO MUCH!

 

[leenie]

Oh I am so sorry and bumping this to keep it up top for others.
Not drowning, that is painful and scary.
Ax will be my guess for folks who have done this before.

I'm so sorry.

 

[Imp]

Oh Gosh, I'm so sorry.

Imp

 

[dawg53]

I have been in your shoes...trust me. Can you possibly seperate her again and get her healed up? You can take her to a vet and get her eye sewed up. Flush the wounds with 50/50 water, betadine solution gently pat dry. Apply neosporin (without pain reliever) to all her wounds, Goldie should make a comeback like before.

 

[TeamChaos]

I'm with Dawg. I'd heal up Goldie and use the ax on the rooster...

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

I'm so very sorry. It would be easier on you to have someone else do it - how about a vet? She could pass peacefully and you would be spared further emotional pain. Again, I'm so sorry.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I agree, if you are up to it, and her spirit seems willing - I would bring her into the house and work on healing her.


If you are not up to it or you feel she has given up, the quickest for her would be the axe - traumatic for you, but "nicest" for her.



Personally, I would be getting that roo ready for freezer camp - I would not put up with it.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Ditto..axe the rooster. ETA; another hen might be next!

 

[Lurkeygirl2011]

I am so sorry. I don't know if you can, but she might heal again with some tlc, chickens are tough creatures, I know I have been amazed to what they can survive and adapt.
I am with the previous post about getting rid of the rooster.

 

[LindsayB]

I agree. I would still try to save her...If you can handle it though. Chickens can get around fine with one eye, they're pretty tough. Have you thought about what to do with the rooster? What if he does this again to another hen? If your really serious about putting her down I would use the ax. I've had to put a couple sick/injured hens down before and that is what I use. I just put a hand towel over their face so they don't see whats coming...Thats just me though. I'm so sorry your going through this, but don't worry, your not alone. Anyone who has owned chickens goes through injuries and treatment at one time or another. Hope everything works out and shes able to heal, keep us posted!