Should I Put Her Down???

[staceyj]

I’m just here to say that there are many BYC members who successfully keep house chickens for a variety of reasons.

I’m not here to tell you what to do, you’ll get plenty of opinions, but i am here to say it’s not in the spirit of BYC for any member to be mean or rude or cruel to another member, for any reason.

Feel free to use the report button if you need to.

 

[Mrs. K]

As she is 17 weeks, I think circumstance might change. What I mean, is what is working now, might not work as she gets closer to her full size. While she may be able to cope now with one leg, she might not be able to cope in a few weeks as her size changes.

I would also expect that other things might be wrong with the bird. I would not expect this bird to live for a long time, but only time will tell.

My advice, is do not let your wanting her to be fine blind you to her suffering. She is a bird that you will need to evaluate often. What is working now, might not in a few months.

Mrs K

 

[MissChick@dee]

Sorry for the circumstances of this post. I asked my self what would I do. Mine are all pets. Would a one-legged chicken make it in my flock?
The answer for me would be no. With that physical handicap it would be easily taken by one of my many predators it wouldn’t even have a fair chance. And my little group of girls would harass her bully her over treats and feed...meaner chickens will simply peck her to death. Her hygiene would suffer too. She couldn’t perch and would have to sleep where she poops. So looking at longevity and quality of life even considering how much I love my chickens & I do. If I had the same situation as you I would show her mercy with a swift kind ending. I hope your heart finds peace when it finds the answer.

 

[Madie'sOddFlock]

@staceyj I just meant that I don't want anyone to spare my feelings in the chance that I really just need a reality check.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well then, in my reality, I would not keep her.

 

[staceyj]

@staceyj I just meant that I don't want anyone to spare my feelings in the chance that I really just need a reality check.

I know what you meant Maddie
Sometimes though, topics such as yours can trigger some heated debate, and you shouldn’t feel pummeled for any reason.
You have a serious situation and a big decision weighing on you and you are merely asking for the community to help you look at it from all angles.

 

[Madie'sOddFlock]

Thank you @staceyj. @Mrs. K If I was in your situation I wouldn't keep her either. But she has always been and will always be a house chicken. I'm leaning more towards keeping her unless/until her situation worsens. She's doing okay and I'd rather give her the longest life possible.

 

[TashaFrancois]

Lots of animals live with disabilities. I would agree about seeing a vet. Just to be sure. But if she trusts you and seems content then let her live her happy little life as your feather baby.

 

[aart]

Has this been an issue since she hatched...or a recent injury?
I don't keep crippled chicks.
They get euthanized, as eventually they won't be able to thrive in the flock.
Have had to euthanize older birds also, due to disease and would for disabling injury also.

I don't keep chickens in my house(up to 1-2 weeks max after hatch), yuk!
So I agree with your family members, especially if they are your parents and you are a minor.

Sounds like a hard situation. Best of cLuck fingering it out.