How Long Do I Wait?

[Aunt Angus]

So Magnolia, one of my rescued hens - a lovely black Australorp - has been unwell (drastically losing weight, acting lethargic). I've been bringing her inside at night, checking her poop and crop, feeding her yummy eggs and tuna and worms and vitamins, and putting her back out in the morning.

Well, this morning, she is refusing to eat. She is drinking, but her "insides" are making terrible gurgling noises. I'm thinking cancer or internal laying. Maybe a crop that's blocked somewhere far back in her system. She is still alert, but giving up.

When do you folks know when it's time to end their suffering? I've yet to lose a chicken, so I'm learning.

 

[ackie]

If today is the first shes refusing to eat, i wouldnt consider dispatching her yet. I tend to doctor them as much as possible until they die naturally, though I'd sure something dehabilitating or longterm would bring up that question.

 

[Aunt Angus]

If today is the first shes refusing to eat, i wouldnt consider dispatching her yet. I tend to doctor them as much as possible until they die naturally, though I'd sure something dehabilitating or longterm would bring up that question.

I am not in a hurry. I just don't want her to suffer needlessly. Thank you for the reply. I will do my best to keep her comfy.

 

[TheCookyChickenLady]

I am not in a hurry. I just don't want her to suffer needlessly. Thank you for the reply. I will do my best to keep her comfy.

I would also recommend to not call an end to it all just yet. If you can you could try taking her to an avain vet or calling some to ask if they could give you any advice. I haven’t delt with cancers so I am not exactly sure on the protocol. You could try bringing her inside full time for now. I would use a dog crate with a tow drapped over the sides with some shavings or even a towel as bedding. Make sure the bar spacing is not dangerous and that she is in a comfortable, quiet spot. Did you feel her crop, does it feel compacted? You could also offer some electrolyte(the chicken types, they sell it at most farm stores, I like the brand Save-A-Chick) water alongside regular water. You can try mushy feed or even a simple oat meal(just oats and hot water) as well. I also sometimes drip a tinny bit of sugar water(just plain sugar and some water) on their beak, sometimes the empty calories can encourage them to eat something else. You can also try barley cooked egg yolk and drip that on her beak. If the drips don’t work you can try a syringe. Use a non sharp tip of course, they sell them at pharmacies, and pet and farm stores. Pry the beak open with two fingers and gently put the Syringe in, go very slowly, only drops at a time, you don’t want to aspirate her. With liquids I have also had success with using a largish dining spoon and putting under her beak, with it dipping in slightly. Usually it makes them take a sip and they like it more than a syringe. I don’t know who to but you could also tag some people that are knowledgeable and pop up on emergency chicken treads a lot to get their attention and guidance. Best of luck, it’s very hard to see an animal you care about suffer! Stay strong and keep us updated!