I've got my large animal vet coming out Monday morning to give the horses their yearly shots and I think it's time for one of our oldest hens to be put down. I know she's been a little off in recent weeks and earlier in the week I removed a lot of light yellow fluid from her lower abdomen.
I had suspected she was on internal layer, but it never seemed to bother her until she began retaining so much fluid. Even though I removed what must have totaled close to a cup of fluid, today she seems just as bloated as before and I noticed yesterday she didn't free range much in the yard, mostly laid in the sun. I can't stand the thought of her not feeling well, and I know as prey animals, chickens don't really want to show how bad they feel as self preservation.
My vet is open to helping me, but I was hoping to tell what meds he needs, how much to use and where to find the best vein. If I have to, I can dispatch her myself, but I was hoping for a more peaceful passing for our sweet old Goldie girl.
Thanks for your help,
~Caroline
I had suspected she was on internal layer, but it never seemed to bother her until she began retaining so much fluid. Even though I removed what must have totaled close to a cup of fluid, today she seems just as bloated as before and I noticed yesterday she didn't free range much in the yard, mostly laid in the sun. I can't stand the thought of her not feeling well, and I know as prey animals, chickens don't really want to show how bad they feel as self preservation.
My vet is open to helping me, but I was hoping to tell what meds he needs, how much to use and where to find the best vein. If I have to, I can dispatch her myself, but I was hoping for a more peaceful passing for our sweet old Goldie girl.
Thanks for your help,
~Caroline
