Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[chickflick]

 

[dyorto]

Hi there.
It’s been a while since I’ve checked in.
I have a girl that I believe somehow broke/injured her leg. I don’t see any signs of trauma but she can’t walk or tuck it under her body. I’ve been watching her now the last 3 days and she’s shows no sign of improving.
I’m assuming the best thing would be to end her suffering, but I’m looking for advice on the best way to do so.
Thanks

 

[aart]

I’m assuming the best thing would be to end her suffering, but I’m looking for advice on the best way to do so.

So sorry.

I've found this technique to be very effective.
Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,

it's the only CD video I've found that doesn't remove the head.
-Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.
-Notice that she slowly stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull, this is key to success IMO.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi Dyorto, sorry you have a hen that's so badly injured. I use exactly the above method, it is very quick and the best way I have found for the birds.

 

[SillyChicken]

Congrats Raz...sorry I can't help you with the move. Would it be worth hiring a mover?

 

[snowflake]

ok,there is a slight low spot under the head, and she stretches the hen, I don't see a turn, she just gives a slow up ward pull and that does it?? I always have a hard time trying to snap the head, this looks like a good way to do the job.

 

[aart]

ok,there is a slight low spot under the head, and she stretches the hen, I don't see a turn, she just gives a slow up ward pull and that does it?? I always have a hard time trying to snap the head, this looks like a good way to do the job.

You stretch the bird out slowly, until neck and legs are fully extended,
then give the short, sharp jerk that breaks the neck.
I found that stretching to be key.

 

[snowflake]

thank you, I have some old birds showing stress and I need to take care of them. will try it tonight

 

[dyorto]

Please let me know how it goes snowflake! I have decided to give my hen more time. She seemed alert and looked less like she was giving up today. I may try to get a video and see if anyone has any opinions about her actually healing as an option.

 

[RaZ]

Opa showed me how to do the cervical dislocation. I wasn't very good at it. From now on, I'll take my birds to a processor. I think my grandfather had the best system. A stump and a sharp hatchet. Us grandkids then chased down the carcasses as they ran around the yard.

Yesterday hit 68 degrees in the afternoon. The snakes were out and the wild turkeys were coming in to the yard. Before the sun set it had dropped to the low 30s. Today is an ice storm warning with snow, rain, sleet thunder and lightening. Expect power outages says the radio report. My fire is lit and I have 2 days worth of wood next to the stove.

Yesterday, Larry the lav orp roo, decided to challenge me. Twice! He got a toe lift the first time and the second time I grabbed him. I held him upside down and walked around the yard for a couple of minutes. I grabbed a handful of mealworms and let him loose. Son-of-a-gun if he didn't come up and eat from my hand. Today, he was calm and docile as can be. Hopefully his challenges are over and I can keep him for a lav orp breeding programme. Anyone know where I can get lav orp hens?

Hobbes, the barn cat, has started to be more social and affection. He absolutely loves my golden retriever. He tolerates being petted by me. Life is good here in the woods.