Humane euthenasia old hen: place in warm, closed box near flock, & let it pass naturally??? (e.g. from dehydration)

[banty007]

• Dying hen. No hope. Still alive b/c I'm hand-feeding/watering (but feels lighter now). No quality of life.
• I can't do CO from car exhaust (I don't have help & don't want to mess up).
• She's in a big box, in a room below her flock, with heating pad, & towel/straw "ring" so she can "sit" (her legs don't work).
  • PLAN:
    1. Put her in a covered, warm small* box (*so she doesn't flip on her side).
    2. Place box near her flock, close to where they sleep.
    3. Check her periodically to make sure she's not flipped face down or on her side.
    4. Let her pass naturally from dehydration.
• Question: Does this plan sound ok as is? (If not, any *specific* advice to aid her passing?)
• ******PLEASE: NO CONDOLENCES******* I don't know you & to be honest it would only upset me more!!!!!!
• Thankyou in advance.

 

[Titania207]

I dont have an answer for you but dehydration would absolutely be painful, make no mistake. She would suffer dying that way. If you know someone with an ax - I am being serious - that would be best. Something quick and definite.

 

[SilverBirds]

That would be a slow and painful process for her. Would you or someone you know be able to perform the broomstick method? It will be a much less painful and quicker death that way.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

No, dehydration would be a slow, painful and stressful death for her.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Is there a local vet that can help put her down? Sometimes even non Avian vets will assist.

 

[MableGertyDillys]

Please take her to a vet, you clearly love her and they will help her pass more peacefully. They won't charge much.

 

[nuthatched]

Letting her die of dehydration is cruel.
Do you have a friend or neighbor who can put her down?

 

[Eggcessive]

If you have a friend or relative who hunts they might put her down for you. There are a number of ways to humanely dispatch a chicken. The quickest way is to remove the head with a pair of sharp garden loppers. Can she reach water and drink it if it is in front of her?

 

[allosaurusrock]

I cannot stress this enough- PLEASE do not do this. Look up the “broomstick method” for slaughtering chickens. Fast and humane and you don’t need to worry about not having a sharp enough knife. If you can’t do it, please find a friend or adult who can.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I'm so sorry you're going through this—it's never an easy situation.

Just to add to what others have shared: dehydration is a particularly cruel way to go, and if CO₂ isn't an option, cervical dislocation can be a humane alternative.

This involves quickly separating the skull from the spine, resulting in immediate unconsciousness and death. It can be done manually (by firmly and swiftly pulling the head while restraining the body), or mechanically using methods like the broomstick technique or a Koechner device. When done properly, it's fast and minimizes distress.

Decapitation is another option, though understandably difficult for many emotionally. From what you describe, it sounds like she’s suffering—and sometimes the kindest choice is the hardest one to make.

If you have access to a nearby farmer, someone with a large format nail gun they may be able to assist in a quick, humane way.

You're not alone in this—many of us have had to make these hard decisions.