HELP! need to put down my hen - dont know how

[cochenchic]

Please someone help. my hen is VERY sick. It's been 2wks. I have tried everything...i have even kept her alive w/ yogurt & water...now her head is completely tucked in, eyes closed, refusing food, cant get up... i have to do something... from what i have read, she could have new castle's or marek's... she suffering... please help. i love my little hen and feel terrible

 

[chick818]

Quote:
Just stay with her, I am sure somone will have a suggestion for you. Poor thing, I am so sorry she is going through this. It's never easy is it.... Hope for the best for her....

 

[saddina]

Under the meat birds tab is how to dispatch and process birds, you may find a method there.

 

[Imp]

So sorry cochenchic,
My choice would be the vet, but if that is not an option do a search. There have been lots of discussion about culling chickens.

Imp/Russ

 

[Ridgerunner]

I really hate that this is necessary to discuss. This site gives one way. Do a practice run before you try it on the hen so you get it right if you go this way.

http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/

I think the best way is any way that is swift and sure. An ax and a chopping block sounds barbaric, but if you can handle the ax it is swift and sure. If you are not used to handling an ax, don't try it as it would not be sure. Some people use a knife and cut the throat. Another method is to put the bird's neck on the ground, put a broomstick over the neck and hold the broomstick steady with your foot, and jerk upwards, breaking the neck.

I know they all sound really bad. I can't help that.

 

[Lollipop]

I hesitate to chime in on this subject, but having much experience on this matter, I feel the need to help. From the answers and posts it is obvious to me that I will be considered barbaric and cruel, but in fact the deed has to be done and the most humane was is this......

Assuming you have an ax, locate a solid piece of wood. Hold the bird by the legs and stretch its neck out on the wood. Chop the neck with the ax and don`t wince. Do it like you mean it. As many times as I have done this in 51 years, it`s never easy and I always feel bad, but reasure yourself it`s being done so she doesn`t suffer and for the safety of the flock. Now do it........Pop

 

[cochenchic]

Thanks so much for quick replies! I love my chickens - new at it- a little over a yr. It seems like I'm losing a lot lately. None in a yr and then 4 in a month... lost another one yesterday to a predator - I think- not a sign of her anywhere. 1st predator ever attacked on Easter. My flock made it through the cold New England winter (with a little help from a space heater - price of electricity over the course of the winter $400 - happy chickens - priceless!) But now we have a beautiful spring and its too bad they cant enjoy it. I cant say this stuff to anyone else in my life... they would think i'd 'lost it'. Thanks for the support.. It helps a lot.

 

[cochenchic]

by the way... another hen -buff cochin, died same syptoms. i know it may be silly to ask without someone seeing the bird..but both hens had progressively drooping heads, not eating, circling when walking, the other one was 'stargazing' and this ones eyes have been closed the whole time (no grey, i checked). No apparent respitory problems...this hen got symptoms 2 months after the other died. Any advice or similar experience?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Rimshoes medical page may help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=15239

 

[cochenchic]

Thanks again. I am AMAZED at how many other people love chickens the way I do. I have to keep it on the DL w/ friends and family so I wont get teased (I still do!).. nice to find others love them too..They are the sweetest animals... So glad I found this place...