My old hen is dying

[CoolClucker]

I have an old hen and she's very sick. I've tried to help her but she's declining rapidly and as heart breaking as it is, I'd like to help her so she isn't in pain. I don't have the heart to do the traditional method with a broomstick. Is there something I could give her? I have some gabapentin , could I give her that and put her to sleep?

 

[Dharmachick]

I don't know, but I'm so sorry.

 

[pekincochin12]

I have an old hen and she's very sick. I've tried to help her but she's declining rapidly and as heart breaking as it is, I'd like to help her so she isn't in pain. I don't have the heart to do the traditional method with a broomstick. Is there something I could give her? I have some gabapentin , could I give her that and put her to sleep?

I've never heard of anyone doing that. Gabapentin is a pain medication. Can you take her to a vet?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try to give her a drug to put her down. A vet could euthanize her, but it is very quickly done with a sharp knife to the juglar veins. The body will have some involuntary movement and muscle contractions for a minute or two after death, but the chicken feels not pain. Do some Googling for “humanely killing a chicken,” and you will find some methods to think over. If you have a friend, neighbor, or family member that hunts, they would probably be willing to put her down quickly for you. It is something that you need to learn to do if you have chickens.

This video is one that I have used and recommended to others:

 

[Dharmachick]

Gabapentin is used for nerve pain, but it is primarily for seizures. If you are trying to overdose her, narcotic pain meds would be better, but I would use a vet. I found one that charged $40, and I couldn't be in the room, (scary) so I used the broomstick method and it was horrible. She kept looking at me. I feel terrible. If you think you might feel the same way, $40 is well worth it.