Looking for the best way to euthanize

[debashan]

My decision isn't for convenience, it's more about the harmony of the rest of the flock. I know many people raise chickens for food and I'm good with that, I don't have any issues with that, but it's hard for me. I guess I feel that I want him to end the way he started, I raised him and sad about my decision, but I have a flock that seems afraid and irritated by him and that is what compelled me to make this decision. Thanx for the ideas and support. Debbie

 

[amazondoc]

Quote:
The OP answered this herself, but I think it's an interesting question to explore.

I don't eat meat, aside from fish. Therefore I wouldn't eat a chicken that I had to kill. In fact, that is one reason that I will be very careful to avoid excess roos when I actually put my flock together.

Nonetheless, I agree with you that it seems a waste to kill the chicken and not use it for something. Therefore, I would certainly consider feeding the carcass to my dogs. OTOH, I'm not sure whether I could do that with a roo I had raised or not. I'm not squeamish -- I'm a retired vet, I've euthed plenty of animals myself, including my own pets -- but there is a lot of sentiment involved with hand-raised animals. Maybe your suggestion of giving the carcass to the neighbors would be a good solution.

 

[debashan]

Amazondoc; as a retired vet, is there a method that you would recommend for a lay person? Is there anything other than the ax? Debbie

 

[Miltonchix]

I'll bet if you advertised in the "free/give away" section of the classifieds you'd find someone willing to take him. Or post an ad at your local feed store.

 

[amazondoc]

Actually, I think chopping the head off is a pretty humane way of doing it, as long as it's done well. That's why the guillotine was invented -- it's quick and painless. It's likely to be more stressful for you than the bird.

But if you've never done it before, I would suggest finding a neighbor who is used to slaughtering chickens and get them to do it. There could be nothing worse for you than if you did it yourself and botched the job.

OTOH, if you can find a local vet to work with you, by all means take it there for a lethal injection. Much less bloody, less horror-inspiring for the folks that raised the roo and know him personally. Many vets WILL euth physically healthy animals if they are dangerously aggressive, so just be sure to explain the problems you're having with the bird.

 

[debashan]

Thankyou; that sounds very sensible.

 

[debashan]

I talked to my vet and she will euthanize. Thanx to all who responded. Debbie

 

[hoosier]

I had an ill hen euthanised aboout three years ago and was charged $40 which I thought was a bit high. That is what my regular vet charged for my horse and he required several injections, including one in his heart.
What were others of you charged?

 

[Miltonchix]

I am using GREAT restraint to NOT make a joke here.

Your'e welcome.

 

[amazondoc]

I never did horse medicine, but that sounds cheap for a horse euth!