Sick Hen - Slow Death (Euthanization Suggestions)

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Yes... in an emergency I would do what I had to, to end suffering, but when it's a slow decline, I'm too soft hearted and end up going to the vet. Kind regards and much sympathy!
 
Vet is an option. But, for future reference, I feel that I can provide a fast, easy euthanasia with the broomstick method. I would rather do it myself than subject a poorly feeling bird to the stress of a car ride, and being handled by strangers in an unfamiliar environment. Broomstick done properly is instant, and bloodless. I suggest that ALL READERS research your options before faced with the need. Because birds do not choose to require euthanasia according to the vet practice 9 - 5 schedule.
 
I ended up calling one of my really good friends that's a Vet in Idaho. He walked me through the options and finally just told me that I should put her down and not wait for the evening appointment. If she was in that much pain (which was getting worse) it was just cruel and my hang up. Of course he said it in a very nice and kind way. He talked with me about a few videos they watched in Vet school on how to put down animals on a farm or homestead. He also answered several questions I have on diethyl ether. Yes, that would be a lot easier and he recommended getting a small quantity for the future (It's difficult to purchase for individual purposes) but for now...he said to just put her down and not bother with the Vet...as long as I could handle it. We talked for about 40 minutes and he made me feel so much better. So, I literally took matters into my own hands and did as instructed. One little pointer on breaking a neck of a chicken, which I would really really tell anyone else that is going to do that...wear padded gloves. Like nice garden gloves, which I did. It wasn't horrible at all and it was fast and simple. I think I just made it so much worse in my head. Now, he did warn me it's pretty easy with a sick hen but not an injured one. Also the other thing he stressed is to securely wrap the hen. This will not only calm her during the prep/process but will also keep her from fighting and at the end, fighting death, like any animal would. I snuggly swaddled her in a towel and tucked one end into the wrap so it wouldn't come loose easily. It really wasn't horrible. So, for those of you that was wondering if you could do it...I did, so anyone can. It's more a frame of mind and clarity with what you have to do. Side note: I will not let another hen suffer like my cute little Chocolate. But, I now know I can do it and have a plan of action should I need it. Plus it's always good to have a Vet friend, even if they live in another state.
 
lazy gardener said:
Vet is an option. But, for future reference, I feel that I can provide a fast, easy euthanasia with the broomstick method. I would rather do it myself than subject a poorly feeling bird to the stress of a car ride, and being handled by strangers in an unfamiliar environment. Broomstick done properly is instant, and bloodless. I suggest that ALL READERS research your options before faced with the need. Because birds do not choose to require euthanasia according to the vet practice 9 - 5 schedule.
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Thank you for your information...it was helpful and in the end I did end up doing it myself. It wasn't anything like I was thinking. I'm just glad she is at peace now. She got so much worse in the later morning and early afternoon....I had to do something. Thanks for your support and understand...as well as direction. All input is super helpful for us newbies!
 
bobbi-j said:
The reason I suggested the vet is that you stated you couldn't do cervical dislocation or decapitation. Those are - in my opinion - the two most humane ways to kill a chicken. They are fast. It's over with in seconds. It doesn't involve suffocating an animal to death, which is what the other methods do. The chicken doesn't die immediately, and I feel there is too much margin for error. I realize the two methods I mentioned aren't for everyone though. Honestly, I have my DH put down any chickens that need it here. If I had to do it myself, I'd put the bird in a cone and use a garden lopper to decapitate. I don't feel comfortable or competent enough to try the broomstick or hatchet and stump methods.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your understanding and yes even the hard realization that dislocation is probably the fastest way to handle this. It's what ended up being the resolution at the end. I got a lot of direction from everyone here and support, which made me feel a lot better about what needed to be done. I spoke with a Vet and he also suggested the same. He walked me through some instructions and suggestions and since she was really suffering at that point...I knew waiting another 6 hours was just not right. I put her down and it was for the best. Thank you so much for your feedback and communications. Sometimes, it's just that shoulder a person needs to put their big girl panties on and do what needs to be done. Thank you so much.
 
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. You did a very brave and kind thing for your sweet hen. I think your experience might give others the courage they need when faced with such a difficult situation.
 
Out state Vet with euthanize them and do a necropsy for 20 dollars. Of course I have to drive it down there. They use co2. Do you think there is ant way I could use a vacuum cleaner hose and attach it to my tailpipe of my car and put the other end in a close box and just run my car?
 

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