Even with right tool, I wouldn't have the courage.
I bought a bolt gun used to stun animals prior to slaughter.
I gather it will kill a chicken. I thought I might need it though I haven’t had to use it so far.
I'm sorry MJ. I know it doesn't help but I don't know of many hens who have survived this problem.
It is important to know what you can can't do rather than try something you can't and botch it. Nature will provide. It will be no different than it would be in the wild.
I think Joyce's swelling is so big it's obstructing her digestive system and preventing her from converting what she eats into a "full" feeling, which means she's sooo hungry. It's a genuinely awful thing to put a chicken through. I'd rather relieve her of her suffering.
Seeing Brune taking days to die from EYP, I believe those that told me not to euthanize her were probably right. Whenever she is conscious again she is intent on trying to do chicken things- attempt a small scratching gesture, try to follow her friends, pretend to peck at the special treats I give the ex-batts.
Watching her makes me wonder if the chickens deal with pain the same way we do. Maybe because they don't have the same fear of pain and of death that we do ? So that any painless instant can be fully enjoyed and not spent worrying about when pain will come back.
It's a tough road, but I think you did right by Joyce. I've found I've had to face a few unpleasant truths about myself since sharing my place with chickens such as my inability to deal gracefully with pain, and I think this darker side of keeping chickens, though very unpleasant, is a major life lesson.
Was he able to give you more info on pain relief?
