If they're clearly dying, shouldn't we help shorten their suffering?

[jjthink]

Quote:
I wholeheartedly agree that this is true much of the time but am not as charitable in believing that it is the case all of the time. Some of the circumstances say otherwise, circumstances where real neglect (vs. a rational wait and see with TLC) costs the birds dearly. Hopefully some of these folks are inspired by the many caring folks on this forum to be more conscious. In the end it's still up to each person to handle how they choose but it is my hope that more and more people will want to care for their birds as they themselves would hope to be cared for, were they in their bird's shoes, so to speak.

Quote:
While I would like very much for what you believe to be true, unfortunately I don't sense that it is. My sense is that an agonizing moment is a long moment, no matter what species you are. But I still want you to be right, more than I can adequately express.

 

[chickerdoodle]

What a hot potato this subject is! All I will do is give my educated thoughts as it is so personal and private.

I was a veterinary technician for many years and then continued my education to become a behaviorist. In my thirty years of experience working with and studying animals I wholeheartedly believe that although animals do not think of time in the same exact way we do, they do sense time. They know what time of day their owner comes home, when dinner is fed and when they are walked. The length of suffering may continue moment by moment but they don't forget what just happened--perhaps goldfish as they do forget after three minutes-- isn't that time? The body's immune system is very much affected by the length of suffering and illness (remember homeostasis?). I digress, it is as it should be, difficult to end a life. I have made that decision myself with my pets and helped others through their difficult choice. I also am concerned over how to decide when to end a chicken's life. How much is a chicken suffering and will it get better? I have been researching chicken health and care for almost a year now but do not have the "hands on" experience that I have with other animals. I also seriously doubt I could dispatch it myself even though I have euthanised my own dog by injection. I no longer work at a veterinary hospital and thereof do not have the proper medications to do so--or perhaps is the way farmers cull really quicker and less painful for a bird? I do wish I could be braver about it. I am weak perhaps, but if I am in a situation to try to help the bird I would do so. I do not think I'd let it linger too long though as I do not think it fair to let the animal suffer just for the owner's sake.

I agree with most of what's been stated--it is a personal decision and any one person's view cannot be forced upon another. We can discuss it and maybe learn something from each other but that is where it ends here--the rest is up to the individual to decide. Honestly, I do tend to get a bit righteous about neglect cases as I am an empath. Because of this I have had to temper myself unless I can actually do something constructive and help the animal--otherwise all you do is make enemies.

 

[jjthink]

Thoughtfully stated and maybe a good note to end on. If any new readers of this thread find something useful to consider in the privacy of their own conscience, thanks for taking the time.

Wishing health and happiness for everyone's feathered friends

JJ