Help! My chicken can't walk or stand. She moves (seldom) by flapping wings. She passed liver-like

[ChicKat]

So sorry, Tim, that you lost your pet. We are weeping with you. You did what needed to be done, as difficult as it was. Life will go on for you and your other chickens. Maybe in the future, you will encounter one that is very similar to the hen you lost....

 

[arkansaschicks]

I am so sorry for your loss!!! You are not alone!! I have lost 6 in the last 3 1/2 years and it absolutely crushes me every time. i am very close with my birds because they love to snuggle! I promise it will get better. When I lost my first chicken Lilly to a hawk attack it was awful! I missed her really bad because she was so sweet and had a wonderful personality. Over the next two weeks I would go sit in my lounge chair in the yard where I would sit and read with my chickens. I would just sit there and cry. One day one of my Barred Rocks that had not be very friendly before came up and crawled up on my chest and put her little head on my red and swollen face and just sat there and went to sleep. Every day after that she would come to me and want to spend time with me. Millie is now my little shadow and she does things I could have never imagined a chicken would do!

You said the chicken you lost had a sister and she could tell something was wrong. I'm sure she is probably feeling a loss too. Spend time with her in the days ahead and you will find comfort! I just lost one of my girls a week ago today from falling off her roost and breaking her leg. The vet told me she could fix her so I had hope. I then get the call that she was in surgery and she were trying to fix her but she couldn't, her bones were too brittle so I had to let her go. This week spending time with my other girls has really helped and it will help you too. We will always mourn over the special chickens we have lost but I promise new friendships can be made and WILL be made! Hang there!!

 

[drdanags]

so so sorry for your loss.

 

[lazychuckiepig]

Really sorry to hear that, i lost my chuck yesterday too. Its so sad.

 

[Keeniebird]

So sorry about your girl

. My husband had to go 2 days ago and put down one of my friends hens. She also was a sweet pet. She had nursed her like you did for over a week to no avail. The vet could do nothing. She was an internal layer. Chickens just have this crazy thing of swallowing up your heart! only a chicken owner understands. you did right by her. I hope your heart feels better soon.

 

[ReikiStar]

Tim, so so sorry she couldn't be saved.

We've all been there and will be there again -- comes with loving them. Our animals are 100% family and their loss is just as devastating. At least you know you tried to help and she's no longer in pain, I know it's of little comfort but its the truth. If you're ever in that situation again (hopefully not), ask the vet if you can stay with them. I've never heard of a vet denying that request.

Was the vet concerned that your other hens would be affected by whatever illness that was?

 

[Iridian]

Tim I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. I know that you did the right thing by her, even though you feel awful about it right now. Sending you hugs and kind thoughts.

-Iri

 

[Katewward]

Dear Tim1975,
Please accept my condolences for your hen. This forum is a great way to find people who understand the tears that follow losing a beloved hen, and I hope you find comfort here. Whatever was the matter with your girl she was safe and taken care of up until the moment she passed. You gave your time, tears and heart to try to make her feel better and you can feel good about that!!
As animal owners our roles are many and sometimes we just can't fix them...we begin by helping them grow and develop, moving into keeping them healthy and active, then onto a role of keeping them comfortable and safe and finally we move to the role of helping them pass with comfort and love. Not much different than how we help our fellow humans move on and the emotions are just the same and not any easier. You are in my prayers. As is your gal. Thanks for taking such great care of your hens. Kate

 

[Bloomix]

Oh I'm so sorry for your loss of your chicken, I know what it feels like to lose a pet. I once had a pet which was very close to me and he died. I cried for two days but know I know that he is safely in heaven with god. So same with your chicken. I'm so sorry.

 

[Organic-Wine-Os]

If a chicken has Marek's disease should it be put down? I have a chicken who can't stand or walk, but she's eating just fine. Loves spaghetti and veggies. We feed her an all organic diet. We've been soaking crickets in St. John Wort and feeding them to her because I read that could help with Marek's. I don't want to put her down if she's a happy camper. I just want to make sure she's not suffering.

Thanks