Should I put my rooster down?

[Lamaremybabies]

I wasn’t 100% sure where to post this so I’ll do it here..




I have a rooster who is two years old, he hasn’t been doing well at all this winter. It’s been really cold and he got too cold and was almost frozen. So I brought him in the house for a couple weeks, and he got a little better but I noticed he had/has been having difficulty using his legs. So I put him in the garage for a few days before putting him back outside, he seemed the same. So out he went. I put him in the coop in a large dog crate for a day, and the following day I let him out. Now all my hens pretty much ignored his presence, as well as my ducks, but, the second my goose saw him he pinned him in the corner of the coop and started biting his neck... I did already have a feeling my gander wouldn’t be happy to see him (they have quite the back story, and while my gander may sound like a huge jerk this all started because my rooster used to chase him and spur him and the ducks), but I honestly think if I let my rooster out with him he will be killed. I also noticed that his legs are worse and can barely stand(he doesn’t have any parasites I think it’s just his legs having been frozen). Anyways, my question is, with all that in mind, should I give him time to get stronger and get them to get along/re-home him, or just put him out of his misery?

Sorry if this wasn’t very well written

 

[LRH97]

It really is a difficult decision to make, but when it comes down to it, it's one you have to make yourself. Trust your experience with your birds. If there is no sign of improvement and the animal is suffering, if the animal living in its current state is doing more damage than the alternative, it is time to intervene. If he can't get around well, he does need to be separated for his own safety. He'll at least need to be agile and quick enough to get away from your gander (which shouldn't be incredibly hard for a healthy roo). If he grows strong enough, I would try to re-introduce before re-homing.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

It really is a difficult decision to make, but when it comes down to it, it's one you have to make yourself. Trust your experience with your birds. If there is no sign of improvement and the animal is suffering, if the animal living in its current state is doing more damage than the alternative, it is time to intervene. If he can't get around well, he does need to be separated for his own safety. He'll at least need to be agile and quick enough to get away from your gander (which shouldn't be incredibly hard for a healthy roo). If he grows strong enough, I would try to re-introduce before re-homing.

Yes, thank you. I do have him separated in the large dog crate. I think I may spend some time with him tomorrow watching him. Honestly I think I should put him down. But I’ve never had to do it before, so I guess I’m a little nervous if I do it that I’ll have made the wrong decision.

 

[bobbi-j]

As stated above, you are the only one who can make that decision. It sounds like right now the only way he's safe is to be sequestered in a dog crate. What kind of a life is that for him? Chickens are flock animals, and enjoy being out to hunt, scratch, peck and do other chickeny things. If he were mine, I'd put him down.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

As stated above, you are the only one who can make that decision. It sounds like right now the only way he's safe is to be sequestered in a dog crate. What kind of a life is that for him? Chickens are flock animals, and enjoy being out to hunt, scratch, peck and do other chickeny things. If he were mine, I'd put him down.

I completely agree. I’ve decided I’m going to put him down.

 

[Sassysouth]

I completely agree. I’ve decided I’m going to put him down.

Usually if you even have to question if it is time, it usually is time. I had to make that decision for my favorite hen last month, but my husband put her down for me. If you haven’t done it before, perhaps there is someone that could do it for you?

 

[BantyChooks]

I completely agree. I’ve decided I’m going to put him down.

Good for you for making a choice and not letting him suffer.

 

[Saaniya]

Yes, thank you. I do have him separated in the large dog crate. I think I may spend some time with him tomorrow watching him. Honestly I think I should put him down. But I’ve never had to do it before, so I guess I’m a little nervous if I do it that I’ll have made the wrong decision.

If I were u I wait ..
If he's healthy only have problem in legs maybe it will be fine when weather changes but decision is urs

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

I do see your point, but his quality of life is really just not there.

If you aren't sure on how to go about it, there are some articles (I believe) or at least some threads that discuss different options and how to go about each one. If you find one you're comfortable with but still have questions, ask.... Someone can walk you through it.
It's difficult emotionally, but you can do it.
Kudos to you for being a responsible chicken owner and considering what's best for him.

 

[sourland]

I completely agree. I’ve decided I’m going to put him down.

You have made a proper and humane decision.