Okay... this post may get people mad....but, what is the best way

[jtotherow]

Well I hope i don't upset anyone but my brother just rings the neck and it kills instantly. Me! I couldn't do it. He raises meat birds.

 

[Beekissed]

Chicks are so small it is fairly easy to kill them quickly by thunking their heads on a hard surface. Just pick them up by the feet and wham! It works for most baby animals. I know that sounds harsh but I'd rather end the misery for them than spare my feelings about the killing. Killing any animal is difficult emotionally.

 

[redhen]

thanks guys....jtotherow..with wringing the neck....u gotta know what you are doing...and i dont.

..i'd probably just end up with a freaked out chicken with a stiff neck...or worse.

....beekissed.(what a cute name!).yeah.the real small chicks are not as bad as an adult chicken would be....my problem is...if i have to do it...i want the most fool-proof way....so..i dont hurt it more....but thanks for the ideas and help!....i really appreciate it...

This question is really important to me....because,there are no emergency vets(that i can find)..that will take chickens...and it is a reality, that one day i may need to put one out of its suffering, and i want to be (as much as possiable) secure that i am doing it right....thanks,wendy

 

[WoodlandWoman]

To treat a chicken with a medical condition takes a certain amount of expertise and I know not all vets treat chickens. I think any vet could easily euthanize a chicken painlessly, though. It's just a matter of if they are willing to do it. It's a simple injection. Well, actually, it's two. I would try talking to the most likely candidate and explain that you are looking for a vet that could euthanize a chicken in an emergency, only. They might be willing to say yes to that.

Sometimes, it takes time for people to get used to the idea of doing it themselves and how they would do it. Kind of a mental preparation. Sometimes you can find a friend, neighbor or relative that could help you.

I think it's great that you are thinking ahead and trying to prepare for this, because with chickens, well, things do happen. Even to really good chicken keepers.

 

[patandchickens]

May I gently suggest that if one is going to own animals (chickens especially), it is important to come to terms with this issue so that you are prepared to do what's necessary. It may involve a change of mindset if you feel that only a bad person would Do That. If you ask me, it takes a GOOD and STRONG person to end an animal's suffering when it's needed.

I think it's our responsibility to BECOME the kind of person who can take an axe, or shovel blade, or whatever, and end a chicken's suffering when needed. It's part of the responsibility of keeping animals. None of this "I just can't". Piffle. People can do all sorts of things when the need is sufficient. You just have to understand that sometimes, you have to do this.

If you are concerned about being so nervous that you miss, wrap the chicken in a towel or etc so it isn't flapping or thrashing. If you are really concerned, get a square-bladed shovel, perch it on one corner of the blade next to the chicken's neck, align it so it will cross the neck at the right place, then stomp down hard on the shovel with your foot. This is what I've done on various poor critters that barn cats have drug in, mortally injured but not apparently interesting enough for the cat to finish killing, and I assure you, you can't really miss.

It's not fun; but some parts of life are not fun yet they're still the right thing to do.

Best wishes,

Pat

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Quote:
I agree with Pat. But God help me if I'm ever in that position. Maybe that's why my cats are indoor cats, and my chickens are not free-ranged, and I'll never try hatching eggs (what to do with the deformed, crippled and sick?).

 

[MissPrissy]

For chicks the best, cleanest, quickest way -

Sharp scissors and a trash bag. Over with very quick. No suffering.

I cry when I have to put one down but it is more cruel to let them linger and suffer before dying on their own.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I take responsibility for all of the animals that live on our property. If I had to shoot my cocker spaniel in an emergency, I would do it. I've butchered chickens. I don't feel that if other people can't kill their own dog or their own chicken, then they shouldn't have any. I don't want to make people feel that if they really don't want to force themselves to do it, that they are less of a person, in some way. I make my own choices and I certainly have my own opinions, but I try to let other people choose the options that work for them and who they are. Not everyone is the same or needs to be. Sometimes, people need time to think about things and they do end up making different choices in the end. Sometimes, they just come back to their original choice, with a firmer commitment. At least they thought about it honestly and made a choice. That's more than most people do.

I'm not saying that anyone here was insulting anyone or trying to make them feel bad, I just wanted to express how I've come to think about these things, over time. I think this has been a really good discussion to have on the board.

 

[yotetrapper]

For those of you who dont like the gore of chopping off heads on adult chickens, a .22 rifle to the head works excellent.

 

[chickenzoo]

I know I read using starter fluid on a rag and placing it in a container with a sealible lid works well. Supposable they just go to sleep and then pass.