how to say goodbye... Gone today, April 10th 2010

[technodoll]

Our poor sweet blue cochin pullet Kiwi will be put to rest the day after tomorrow (Wednesday).

Her leg is getting worse and she has no quality of life anymore, despite laying a beautiful egg every day - she's fighting her handicap but spends most of her time collapsed on the floor, her butt full of poop. She cannot stand or walk anymore. It's been nice out so I've put her in the free-range pen with a few other tame girls, so she's enjoyed some dirt baths and fresh air and oh, it just breaks my heart to see her like this

Stupid accident!!!

We don't want her last moments to be of fear and struggle as she is put into the bag (we are going with the decapitation method, it seems the most humane and fastest) - my friend is coming over to do it, there is no way DH or I can bear to even watch.

I want to give her a sedative an hour before, so she is drowsy and not really conscious of what's happening.

We have Dramamine here - would that do?

I've cried so much for this girl, spent so much money at the vet and there is just no kinder alternative for her... please, if anyone can advise on how to make her last moments as stress-free and painless as possible, please advise!!

Thank you

 

[CityClucks]

I'm so sorry about your sweet Kiwi - she is a good chicken and I know you're doing the right thing for her.

I don't know specifically about Dramamine, but remember that animals are different from humans, so chickens may react very differently to human drugs. I would suggest waiting until dusk or dark when she is drowsy and calm if that is possible. Again, I'm so sorry!

 

[SilverPhoenix]

I'm so sorry you're having to make this decision. It's never an easy one to make at all.

It's true, though, it's very selfless and compassionate of you to relieve her from her suffering. It doesn't sound like she has good enough quality of life at this point to keep her going. I'm sure she'll have a quick, easy, and painless death this way instead of a long and agonizing one.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping all goes well. I'm sure you'll keep memories of her close, and give her the best possible final days.

 

[pacetruckguy]

I don't think trying to drug her will do any good, in fact it's just another thing for her to go through. I don't want to sound mean or calus, but remember she's a chicken, just get it over with. I'm very sorry you are losing your friend.

 

[bock]

Sorry, but remember SO many chickens are killed in the meat buis every day and no one even thinks to feel sorry for them. So in a way, kiwi is a very lucky little girl. R.I.P

 

[Elite Silkies]

You might ask your vet if he could give you some Ace. It will make her go to sleep. If you give her enough, she will go to sleep and not wake up. He may have something better that he could give you.

Not sure if Dramamine would work or not.

I'm so sorry your having to go through this.

 

[95yj]

talk to your vet, if he won't or can't give you anything i wouldn't stress over it. I'v slaughtered chickens before, not tons, but enough that i'v seen how calm they can be when it happens. It also may sound horrible, but just remember that she won't feel a thing. Its terrible that you, and the hen, have to go through this, sorry.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

So very sorry that you are going through this.

I am glad that you are making the decision to do the humane and compassionate thing. It is part of good husbandry. Hang in there.

 

[technodoll]

I held on to her a few days longer, hoping to see a miracle.

None happened.

Kiwi left us today at 6pm, a quick and merciful death - I hope she knew how much she was loved.

Rivers of tears were shed, and the mourning will no doubt go on for a while.

RIP sweet girl.

Your sunshine lives on in our hearts forever.

 

[CityChook]

I'm sorry honey. That's the hard part of having animals. But they rely on us to make those hard decisions. Bless you.