How do I put her down to stop her suffering

[Queen Chika]

My hen is just dying, I don't know what's wrong with her, and she' just suffering and slowly dying. I don't want her to suffer any longer, what can I do? Can I put her to sleep, if so, how?

 

[chickenannie]

I think if you search for "euthanize" on BYC search, there is some info. Sorry to hear you are in this situation.

If you want to describe symptoms on here, there may be a chance someone could help with advice, although your hen might be beyond that point, and euthanization might be the best thing to do.

 

[Momma_Cluck]

The way I did my gal is in an airtight plastic bin... fold an old towel or fabric in the bottom so she is comfy. Drill a tiny hole in the lid of the box--- buy a can of starter fluid (the kind with ether)

Put the hen in the box and close the lid... she'll be calm due to the dark/comfy space. Stick the straw of the can of starter flud in the hole and use about 1/2 the can....
DO THIS OUTDOORS AND TRY NOT TO BREATHE A LOT OF IT!

She'll go to sleep, then the overdose of ether just stops her breathing.

The Vet and someone here at BYC recommended it to me when my Silkie got brain damage.... it is quick and humane.

 

[chickenpiedpiper]

Quote:
use about half the can? how? douse the animal with starter fluid? is that what you are recommending? Or am I misreading this? I dont understand your instructions as to how to get the ether into the box.......

 

[chickenannie]

This link has some info... Personally I would choose the one person's method partway down the thread, who suggests holding your chicken calmly in your arms and soothing them, and then culling them very quickly at the neck. I would do it that way over the lighter fluid method. but I'm not really an expert at this. I have culled chickens by wringing their neck, extremely quick. What I can't stand is letting them feel fear before hand.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=93105

 

[nzpouter]

nothing quicker than an axe blow to the neck, but you must not be squeamish.

 

[Momma_Cluck]

no hun-- the nozzle of the fluid can goes into the hole you drill in the lid---it sprays onto the cloth, nbot on her... she breathes the fumes....

OR you can saturate the cloth in the bottom of the box 1st-- then put her in and close it......

 

[allaboutdemchicks]

Engine Starting Fluid.....not lighter fluid!!!!! Like Prestone's brand! It is a high ethyl ether to start automotive engines.

 

[speckledhen]

The starter fluid is better on young chicks. This is never easy, but I think the broomstick method is a good one. Someone suggested giving the bird 3 Benedryl to make it sleep, then you dispatch it by axe or place the head on the ground while holding the bird by the feet, broomstick across the neck, step one foot on either side of the head and pull firmly upward, dislocating the neck. There will be a reflexive flapping, but she'll be gone instantly. You dont have to admiinister Benedryl, but it may help some. If the bird is very weak, may not be necessary.