Paralyzed left leg

[chicken4prez]

Well, crap. Any recommendations on how to do the deed quickly? I've never had to put one down before. I can do what needs to be done, I just want to make sure I do it right so that nobody suffers any unnecessary trauma.

I think the most common way is to lay the chicken down on a stump or something and chop off it's head with an ax.

I'm so sorry for saying this but it is the right thing to do.

 

[BantyChooks]

Cervical dislocation. Can't miss, it's quick, simple, and doesn't require a great deal of strength.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2017/02/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr.html

 

[TxAg11]

Forgot to update.
Later that day I was able to grab the hen, which was surprisingly easy. She was so worn down and exhausted. Upon examining her I found that because of her inability to move or take care of herself she was absolutely infested with mites. I've never seen anything like it! All of other hens were completely fine, though (gave them all a DE bath just in case). I laid her back down and went to the garage to sharpen my hatchet. When I came back 30 min later she hadn't moved from the spot I laid her down in.
She was ready to go.
I have never had to put a hen down, so this was my first. I watched a youtube video and made a few practice swings on a branch to ensure a somewhat accurate swing. Her death was quick and painless. One swing. Complete and perfect separation. Sad, but I guess that's how it goes. The rest of the hens are all vaccinated, so I hope they don't suffer a similar fate. Thanks for helping to ease my conscience in this decision. It was the right call.

 

[nminusyplusm]

It definitely sucks that you had to do that but thank you for thinking of her comfort and well-being. you did the right thing.

 

[RodNTN]

Its very sad, but I do believe that you did the right thing

 

[Eggcessive]

Just wanted to say that I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was suffering and that was the correct thing to do
Also wanted to make a correction where someone posted about using B12. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is the better one to use (or better yet, B Complex tablets with all of B's) when treating a leg problem.
If I had a bird dragging a leg who had been vaccinated for Mareks, I might suspect a leg injury with possible nerve involvement. Then I would cage the chicken with food and water forcing rest for a week or two. If no improvement, then I would decide whether or not to cull. Each case is very different.

 

[Kiki]

Forgot to update.
Later that day I was able to grab the hen, which was surprisingly easy. She was so worn down and exhausted. Upon examining her I found that because of her inability to move or take care of herself she was absolutely infested with mites. I've never seen anything like it! All of other hens were completely fine, though (gave them all a DE bath just in case). I laid her back down and went to the garage to sharpen my hatchet. When I came back 30 min later she hadn't moved from the spot I laid her down in.
She was ready to go.
I have never had to put a hen down, so this was my first. I watched a youtube video and made a few practice swings on a branch to ensure a somewhat accurate swing. Her death was quick and painless. One swing. Complete and perfect separation. Sad, but I guess that's how it goes. The rest of the hens are all vaccinated, so I hope they don't suffer a similar fate. Thanks for helping to ease my conscience in this decision. It was the right call.

Good job!
I am sorry for your loss.
DE will not get rid of mites.
Please invest in a permethrin based product to take care of the mites.