Random question about being "humane"....

[Wooden_Pony]

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That is what we do as well. Although I use a brown lunch bag. Roll up bag and your done. It is hard to do but better for the chick in the long run.

 

[coffeemama]

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This is what I used to do with rabbits-I would get a bucket with a tight lid-put in the dry ice, put something over it so the rabbit would not get burned, and close the lid. They just go to sleep.

 

[donnap1967]

Years and years ago we had two hamsters that were the best of buddies for a long time in a cage together. One day we came home and for some reason they had been in a fight and one of the hamsters was seriously injured and was dying slowly and painfully. We called a friend at a pet store and they said to use a bag and the CO2 method. It took a long time for it to die and to this day it bothers me. Maybe we did something wrong but it was really upsetting.

I have been wondering how people go about culling chickens and so I was interested in the replies here. I think freezing would seem like a rough way to die but I have no real knowledge on that subject. Drowning is terrible and frightening I am certain.

I wouldn't have the guts to wring or chop a neck.

I would be in trouble if I ever had to cull one of my chicks. I think my neighbors might think I was nuts if I asked them to help me with it lol. I dont exactly live in a farm type area so they wouldn't understand.

I guess if I had to, I would read up and make sure I did the CO2 think right the next time.

 

[Shannonwbl]

So glad to see this post because I have a 7wk chick that must be suffering. She started with a funny walk (tired all kinds of things to no avail) and now she just drags herself around.

Are you all suggesting starter fluid , like for a grill, or engine starter spray? There is no way I can go the blood and guts rout

. I tried to enlist my 13 yr old son, who hunts. He said "no way", he said he could hunt but never kill something he has held, cared for and named. Such a sweetie! We are both wimps so this method sounds like the best option for us - just needed clarification.

 

[eggzettera]

Engine Starter Fluid not Charcoal

 

[arwmommy]

Now clearly this won't work if you raise tons of chickens, but for those of us that have BackYard Chickens,

this is what has worked for us......

Take it to the dang vet!


Our vet has euthanized two chicks for us quickly, humanely and cheaply (free!). Even if they charged me their typical fee for euthanizing a small animal ($15) it would still be worth it for me. When I have gone in though, it has been with me in tears, clutching a baby wrapped in a towel and blubbering about how "blah blah blah is wrong, and I think she needs to be euthanized". I think they feel sorry for me, and they know me from vet visits, boarding and grooming our dog there, so they just do it and don't even charge me.

I just could not cut or chop the head off. I COULD NOT. I am not a *real* farmer, and have not had that experience be a part of my life, and am unwilling to do that at this point in my life. I have no judgements about those of you that do....I think it is humane for the chick, but I just know that I could not.

I just wanted to throw the vet thing out because ANY vet would euthanize a small animal in obvious distress. And even if it cost you a few bucks, it would be worth it to know that they died peacefully and quickly.

JMHO.

 

[MrsCountryChick]

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I second your opinion

I'm with you on wanting a humane 'easy' way to help the bird from suffering. I've was raised a country girl, but could never do anything myself. But I read on here how someone had a terrible accident that killed their adult chicken from applying topical creme that contained benzocaine. Used as a pain killer ingredient for a topical ointment treatment. It's a form of anesthesia that can kill a bird or reptile. I guess it's even used as a humane way of euthanasia.----seen info on a website about it. I guess the benzocaine can also kill reptiles too. I guess it works Very quickly, puts them to sleep then they're gone. The person who had their bird die just added a normal amount (like you would sunscreen cream I guess) to the birds comb & waddles. Then the bird sat & then fell over & died. I guess it must absorb into their system thru their skin pores of the comb & waddle. But that's Waaaay more humane to have them fall asleep & die than to have to use an ax. But a tragic accident from one person's experience atleast can possibly bring peace in the end to other suffering birds.

 

[Shannonwbl]

Interesting. I haven't seen that post. Fortunately my husband has a stronger stomach than I do. He took care of her and it was VERY quick. I know it was humane for her, but seems brutal for ME! I will keep the benzacane in mind should I ever need it again. Thanks!