Just culled my first chicken...

[pattycake]

She had been feeling poorly for some time. She had a messy bottom and was lingering in the henhouse when everyone else was out in the run. Her tail feathers were fluffed up. I separated her, fed her via dropper, and after a couple days she was back almost to normal, and I put her back in with the flock.

But gradually I saw that she wasn't doing well. She still went out with everyone else, but wasn't that enthusiastic. Her comb looked dull. Her butt got messy again. Yesterday I found her crouched behind the feeder.

I should have separated her again!!!

Then this morning I let the chickens out late, because it was pouring, and when I went into the henhouse I found the other chickens had been picking on her: her head was bald and bloody.

She was practically comatose. I picked her up and was shocked at how thin she was. I realized I had left it too long and I needed to end her misery. I got on this site and read how to do it.

I used an axe and it was awful but over quickly, and she's not suffering any more.

I just had to get it off my chest. I never killed anything before, hardly even a fly!

 

[lovemychix]

You did the right thing.

 

[ChooksChick]

You are a good chicken mommy and did the thing for her she couldn't do for herself.

I'm very sorry it had to be done, though.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

Always a tough thing to do but sounds like you did the right thing.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm so sorry.

 

[ChickyLaura]

I'm very sorry. It is a difficult decision to have to cull. I have my husband do it because I can't... I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't here.

 

[fordmommy]

You ended her misery.

 

[Appaloosa Hill Farm]

It's a hard, but kind thing to do. I culled my first bird yesterday. My husband had been doing the job for me, but I realized that I needed to be a good bird owner and take care of my girl. Just like you did. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[little horse]

i am sorry, i could not have done it but it was for a good reason, and yes shes not suffering any more.

 

[pattycake]

Thanks for all the kind responses. I feel terrible that I left it as long as I did, and that she suffered, but I won't let that happen again. When we take chickens into our lives, we're responsible for them.

It's really hard, but chickens give us so much -- eggs and pleasure. I really love my flock.

You know, I didn't think I could do it, but her suffering was so obvious and I felt it was my fault... couldn't let it go on.

You guys are great.