I euthanized my hen yesterday

[branagh]

Yesterday I euthanized one of my white leghorns with a hatchet. It was difficult to do as I had never done anything like that before.

She had been suffering from a sour crop. A couple of days ago she appeared to be recovering, but took a turn for the worse yesterday.

After letting her out to be with her sisters (I have 7 hens left) and a stroll in the garden, I walked around the yard holding her and talking to her.

She was very weak and was starting to not sit up straight.

Reluctantly, I stunned her by striking her in the back of the head with the hatchet handle and then quickly decapitated her on a wooden block.

It was over in less than 5 seconds.

I absolutely adore my hens and treat them like little feathered princesses.

This is one of the hard realities of owning animals. One to consider when you first get into owning chickens. However, the benefits outweigh the negatives by a long shot.

Raising these "girlies" is one of the best things I have ever done in life. Most people can't conceive of the joy that it brings me.

 

[backdoorchicken]

you did the right thing. that had to be hard to do and i send you good

.

 

[chickensioux]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[CMV]

Culling is always the worst even when you are doing your feathered friend a favor. Sorry.

 

[fiberart57]

Well done. Your courage is inspirational because that's my plan of action should the event be necessary. I'm sorry for your loss and am sending loving thoughts your way. I feel the same way about my girls. Even though I call them "lunch meat" I still love them.

Mary

 

[jerseygirl1]

I have a lot of respect for you, so sorry you had to go thru that
I wouldn't have known how to handle it

 

[chicachic]

What a terrible experience that must have been! I have a lame duck that I just can't get the nerve up to put her down, I just help her along and keep her safe. I'm sorry for you loss and that you had to do that.

 

[seminolewind]

I had to euthanize a chick a few days ago. The first time. It's so sad. I just can't deal with that stuff.

 

[regina1994]

I had to do that to one of mine yesterday...hard to do but to watch her suffer was even worst...But to know and tell her right before "thank you for what you've given the family and now I will help u move" on helped a bit. No easy way really but I admire your strength in doing what was best even though you Def. 2nd guess yourself....me too!

 

[SilverPhoenix]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you cared about your hen deeply, and it is wonderful that you gave her the dignity of a quick and painless as possible death.

It's never an easy decision to make, but I agree that the positives of owning chickens ultimately outweigh the heartbreak of losing them.