Help Please! Chicken dying :(

[hensandchickscolorado]

I came home to my cross-beaked easter egger limping around the yard and not eating or drinking. I think the heat has gotten to her and the other girls have been pecking. She looks really bad.

I separated her and she is now in a bin with food and water, but she's not moving. Breathing though.

I can't do anything that requires me to wring her neck or otherwise traumatic...the vets will take her for $100 and far across town. Is there a way to put her down quickly without a lot of horror? My four year old daughter is home. I don't know anyone with a pellet gun or else I'd go with that option.

I am a mess...please help!!

 

[dsqard]

Is this a fully grown hen?

 

[Nicole01]

I'd bring her in the house if you have A/C. Give her electrolytes, vitamins, and/or a little sugar water. Hopefully she will be okay.

 

[ChooksChick]

If you must, the best thing is to put her in an airtight bin not much bigger than her (less airspace) with a rag SOAKED in starter fluid. It's ether and will knock her out, then kill her. Unfortunately, she will have convulsions once it begins to kill her, but she'll be unconscious, so it won't be upsetting for her.

Do it outside, and make sure the lid is weighted down. Go inside once you toss the rag in. Come out no sooner than 10 minutes.

I'm so very sorry- this is a very hard thing to do.

 

[dsqard]

The reason I asked what size the chicken was is because I was going to suggest what ChooksChick is suggesting. Actually I am glad she let you know because she has detailed information on how to do this.

 

[chkn]

Check her bottom for maggots.

 

[charsbird]

OHHHH, be sure it's Car Starter Fluid.I know someone who used Charcoal Lighter Fluid!!! I can't imagine how horrible that must have been for the poor chicken to die.

 

[hensandchickscolorado]

Thanks all. I don't think I could even do the started fluid thing...although if I'm going to have chickens I suppose I have to figure this stuff out

.

Why check for maggots? Just wondering?

I found a bird sanctuary nearby who put her down. They were great and most likely my new favorite charity. If anyone hears of anyone else in Denver who needs some help, let me know and I can direct them to this place.

Thank you...what would I do without this forum??!

 

[ChooksChick]

I'm really sorry you had to go through this. Cross-beaked birds often take stresses harder than others because they have to work so much harder to eat, drink and preen. I'm glad you found a way to give her a peaceful end.