Please...my pet chicken is eggbound...time is of the essence

[lusty]

Well, I still have a hen. She is not as fast as yesterday, she waited in the hen house for me to carry her out to her favourite part of the yard. I've been on the phone all day trying to find a vet that will put her down for a reasonable amount of money. I can't believe that the CHEAPEST is $55 plus tax! I may be using that air tight container after all..waiting for one more vet to call back. Suebee? How is your hen? Is it the same thing as mine...do you think?

 

[suebee]

Lusty, your hen sounds like a real trooper. I wish I could tell you whether SHE wants to be put down or not.

Thanks for asking about my hen. Yes she is still with us. I hated to go to the coop this morning. Afraid of what I might find. But she was alive and walking around up on the shelf. I helped her down to the floor.

After an hour in the coop she decided to walk out and free range with the others. They all gather under my front porch in the afternoon heat and that's where they are, including her. She is laying down, but pecking in the dirt around her.
The water is nearby, hope she drinks it.

I've been giving her terrimycin for 2 days, just in case it's something that can be cured.

Every hen who's poop turned green has died from being an internal layer. I don't know what will happen with her. Just have to wait and see.

Your hen may peacefully go on her own or not at all.

I wouldn't put her down just yet.

Whatever happens, just know you're doing everything you can to help her. (((hugs)))

 

[suebee]

I agree! All pets, whether they have feathers, fur, or scales are a priceless addition to their owners lives and bring so much light and love, but there is definitely the risk of great sadness as well. Even if you don't lose them to an early illness or accident, you still have to deal with them growing old and eventually passing away.

So remember that our time with our loved ones is limited and that we should take time out to appreciate (and spoil!) them as much as possible while they are with us.

Cyanne, that was such a beautiful sentiment. I will save your post forever.

Lusty, whats going on? My hen is still hanging on. It was 97 degrees here and she's slow but refuses to give in to whatever is ailing her.​

 

[lusty]

I agree...beautiful words...

I haven't been updating too much....thought people might be getting tired of hearing the same ol' thing. My hen is still with us. She is moving a lot slower today and she seems to be losing her appetite. I, at times, carry her to the water for a drink. And I bring her feed to hand feed her. Wherever she is, as soon as she hears me calling out for her...her head pops up. Simple pleasures I guess! I still haven't figured out the best way for me to "help her" at the end...guess I feel I still have some time to think about it...if she doesn't go quietly in her sleep. I think the only way I'll be able to "help her" is if her legs break and she's in obvious pain...kinda hard to think about it when she still looks out for when I'm coming across the deck!

Nice to hear your hen is still fighting whatever is ailing her, Suebee. I honestly can't see mine surviving this, it just isn't getting better. More soaking tubs tomorrow though...she enjoys them! Goofy hen!!

Keep me up to date too!

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Lusty,

i check here everyday for an update on your hen. If you don't want to post, i understand. But please don't think that folks are getting tired of hearing what you have to say. i'm sure i'm not alone in wanting to support you through this difficult time. Sometimes the final days of a pet's life are the most precious. That seems to be when we really bond with them, knowing they won't be with us much longer.

Anyhow, just wanted you to know that i'm here to listen to whatever you wish to post. i'm sure i'm not alone.

 

[lusty]

Thank you airheart for your kind words.

I have another question for everyone...I'm wondering if it is possible for a person to get the "chicken lice" or "chicken mites"?? I don't know if it is just because of the thought of all these bugs that is making me itchy...or if they have actually transferred from my hen to me??? Sorry...I bet you're all itching now!!! If it is possible...does anyone know a cure????

My hen is still with us. I have found a vet that will put her down for a more reasonable price, but I am not allowed to be there. Policy they say...I said that I'm well aware of what takes place, that I was there when my dog was put down, and that I just want her to be comfortable when they do it. She'll be panicky if she is surrounded by strangers...they refused. So...I have not made an appointment. I wish she would just pass on through the night.

 

[BJ]

Lice and mites are species specific...so you should not have what your hen has.

I'm so sorry about your hen. Mother nature can be cruel. Just don't involve the vets and let nature take its course, and we can only hope it will be soon.

Blessings to you.

 

[Jenski]

I have never heard of a reputable vet who would not allow the owner to be present at a euthanasia. I have sat by several beloved animal friends over the years, even at home, and I always had vets do the procedure right next to me, with my friend in my arms.

We took my beloved Sister Perla at home on a Sunday ~ ourselves. No time to waste, as she was in respiratory distress. Our working theory was "fast and clean ~ minimal suffering ~ no risk of failure." I am no expert, and there may be others who slaughter regularly and have more info, but you are welcome to PM me if you would like more information on our experience.


Jen in TN

 

[cheeptrick]

Lusty...I too had a hen with similar problems. I sadly drug it out and she suffered greatly for months. Looking back...all the work, loving, and caring I did was in vain. I wish I had listened to my instincts to euthanize earlier. But the phases of dying did not kick in because I'm was a paramedic pre mommy years...I NEVER give up.

Whatever you do...do not let the children know what you are doing. Wait till they go to bed at night, say good bye, use a cooler and SOAK....I mean completely soak a large handtowel with the ether/engine starter fluid and place it in the cooler....close and lock the lid....put the bird in and WALK AWAY. My hen did not make a sound. We told our children the next morning that our hen 'Sicko' had passed away in the night and we had buried her in our tiny pet cemetery.

You need to change your thinking if you can...I thought about it like I was cleaning a fish I had just caught. That helped.

Makes you appreciate what God has given us.

Good Luck....we are here for you when it is over Vet or no vet!!

 

[mrs.67]

Hi Lusty, I am new here and am fairly new at raising chickens. I had a family of 16 bantams that I adored and lost them all in one night due to a dog attack. They were my pets. No different than a dog or cat. They had different personalities, they showed affection etc... you know the story. Thats why I like it here.. I love how everyone here understands that it hurts to lose your pet. I check on your post every day. Like everyone I feel so bad for you. Please keep posting, so your chicken family can help you through this tough time.