Help with Silkie hen! Cull or no?

[Monkeysmom5018]

My nine-year-old daughter is currently googling how to euthanize a chicken just to prepare herself

 

[bobbi-j]

That's a good idea. Honestly, though, what are the (in my opinion) most humane methods may be traumatic to someone who's chickens are pets. Maybe if you have a vet close by, call them and see what it would cost to have them put it down for you.

 

[Monkeysmom5018]

Yeah they’re our pets. But she knows part of raising chickens is helping them pass if they need to. But easier said than done. We don’t have any chicken friendly vets around unfortunately.

 

[bobbi-j]

Yeah they’re our pets. But she knows part of raising chickens is helping them pass if they need to. But easier said than done. We don’t have any chicken friendly vets around unfortunately.

They don't have to be "chicken friendly" to euthanize them. We use a hatchet and stump to euthanize ours because it's over in seconds. But I understand that's not for everyone. The broomstick method is probably just as fast, but cleaner. Any other way - again, in my opinion - takes too long.

 

[lazy gardener]

Broom stick method is my preferred method if I'm not processing for the table. IMO, any time a chicken is not functional for 3 days, if it's not an issue that I can fix, I will cull the bird rather than allow her to suffer.

 

[Monkeysmom5018]

I’m thinking baking soda and vinegar?

 

[Monkeysmom5018]

She’s currently in a covered bin with baking soda and vinegar. I’m so upset. All i can think is if she’s suffering worse and it it won’t work what will i do???

 

[nminusyplusm]

She’s currently in a covered but with baking soda and vinegar. I’m so upset. All i can think is if she’s suffering worse and it it won’t work what will i do???

Please get her away from that!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/culling-with-baking-soda-and-vinegar.937686/

 

[pennyJo1960]

Starter fluid is a faster method for full grown birds like Silky

 

[nminusyplusm]

I've not had to euthanize (yet) but from what I've read the broom stick method seems quick and humane. Hypercapnic hypoxia from CO2 and lack of oxygen produced by baking soda and vinegar is not recommended, they will panic and suffer.