Paralysis after fox attack, when to euthanise

[Bigplantnerd]

My #1 hen Pearl survived a fox attack last Wednesday. One of her flockmates was killed but she somehow survived. She has a puncture wound on either side of the back of her head, and a pair of deep tears on either side of her spine at wing level. We have been cleaning and treating her wounds and there is no sign of infection. She cannot stand on her own. If I hold her up on her feet she will support her weight, but tips forward if you let go. She is not trying to stand on her own or moving her wings. She will eat and drink tiny amounts if hand fed, but not what I would call an appetite by any means.
After 5 days I am giving up hope. I feel awful that she is laying alone rather than out scratching and running.
I want to make the right decision for her and am considering euthanasia today, with either the broomstick method or cervical dislocation by hand. I have never done this and am very nervous that I do it correctly.

Has anyone's chicken ever recovered from a spinal injury?

Can you share any wisdom on your experience with c.d. or broomstick for ending your chicken's pain?

Edit- so of course this morning she is trying to stand up. Still no interest in food.

Thanks guys, this sucks. Electric fence is in the mail BTW.

 

[Shadrach]

Has anyone's chicken ever recovered from a spinal injury?

One might be tempted to assume a spinal injury is responsible for lack of balance and willingness to stand but without an Xray it's a difficult thing to diagnose.
Have you felt anything along her spine that suggests spine nerves are trapped or a bone has been crushed?
I've had a couple of hens who became paralysed and both recovered.
Rather than type out the stories I've provided a link to the story of Dandy who became paralysed due to stress.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/shadrachs-stories.1263724/post-20314661

My view is it is worth trying some of the things I did with Dandy before you give up hope especially given you write she's attempting to stand.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your hen. A lot depends on how much time you have to give intensive nursing care. Sometimes it might take a couple of weeks to see improvements after a serious predator injury. She may have a head injury or temporary swelling around her spinal nerves. A chicken sling chair may be helpful to get her upright in front of food and water, and to allow some healing. You can make one at home, and take her out for periods of rest. Tube feeding or torpedo feeding can be helpful with a hen who is not eating. Checking the crop before feeding to make sure the crop is emptying is needed. Here is a good link for examples of homemade chicken slings and chairs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/
When I have had to put a chicken down, I usually use the method of cutting the jugular vein on the sides of the neck with a very sharp knife, hanging upside down with legs tied to a tree, where they bleed out in a minute or two while I hold them still. Cervical dislocation is another way, but it was not as easy for me.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My DH and I have found the broomstick method to be easiest on us and chicken both. I can DM you detailed instructions if you wish.

 

[Bigplantnerd]

My DH and I have found the broomstick method to be easiest on us and chicken both. I can DM you detailed instructions if you wish.

I would appreciate that. She's fighting to stand today and eating some turkey...tough little bird she is. But I know we aren't out of the woods.

 

[Bigplantnerd]

One might be tempted to assume a spinal injury is responsible for lack of balance and willingness to stand but without an Xray it's a difficult thing to diagnose.
Have you felt anything along her spine that suggests spine nerves are trapped or a bone has been crushed?
I've had a couple of hens who became paralysed and both recovered.
Rather than type out the stories I've provided a link to the story of Dandy who became paralysed due to stress.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/shadrachs-stories.1263724/post-20314661

My view is it is worth trying some of the things I did with Dandy before you give up hope especially given you write she's attempting to stand.

Thank you for telling the story of your chickens. Your writing is beautiful and tragic.