Please help with euthanizing a chicken

[cicene mete]

Well, my DW and I put our little Chipmunk (an EE) down. She held her for a while and then we covered her head with a towel. I stepped on the broom, and she pulled on the legs. It was over instantly.

I don't want to go into too much detail and gross anybody out, but on the other hand some of you might one day have to do this, so I should warn you that it was grosser than we expected. Her head basically detached, and there was some blood. It was definitely disturbing, but it's better to really pull and be sure that the chicken doesn't suffer than to risk having to try more than once. There was some intermittent flapping and twitching, which would stop and then start again for a few seconds.

Thanks to everyone for all of your support. She was a sweet little girl that loved nothing more than to sit in our laps and fall asleep. DW is really down, so I'm passing along all the virtual support and hugs

to her.

 

[mdbokc]

Thank you and my heart goes out to everyone who faces this.

 

[M@M@2four]

Quote:
SO sorry!!! I read this on here and and wanted to share if you ever have to do this again: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=147192

 

[Kittymomma]

So sorry for what you had to go thru. I know it's not much comfort, but you did the right thing for your girl. As hard as it was for you think how much harder it would have been for her if you weren't as caring and compassionet as you obviously are.

 

[Airilith]

Ok the baking soda and vinegar method is great. Never heard of that before.

For a non-broom method do this (for right handed people, flip for lefties). Take the chicken's legs in your left hand, and put its head in your right hand between your forefinger and your thumb, palm towards its beak. You can rest its chest on your leg. Then pull your right hand back while rotating your hand so that your palm is moving to face the ceiling.

I hope it makes sense. I was mimicking it in the living room while typing the directions. The trick is to pull just until you feel a pop. You must stop right there or it will get messy (decapitation). And like everyone mentioned the chicken will flop around. Just lay him/her on the groud and come back 5 mins later, trust me its easier that way.

For older roosters and large hens, you have to be pretty strong to pull this off though.


I know how hard this can be and you have all my sympathies for having to go through it.

 

[PunkinPeep]

so sorry for your loss.

it will get better, i promise.