Sitting on hocks, wobbly walk ((Update - RIP Wheezy))

[AmyBella]

OKrobin, we are on the same wavelength. I found a post with what seem like very good instructions. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2573820 Keep me posted on your girl. I am rooting for her!

 

[AmyBella]

This is so hard... he is worse today. I am so torn about what to do. He can hardly move.

 

[artsyrobin]

i have found with duchess, putting her in the bathtub on a quilt helps her to not struggle too much, maybe that would help? sometimes just holding them and cuddling them gives them incentive to continue fighting- how is he with eating and drinking?b

 

[AmyBella]

Still eating and drinking. And pooping, but now his butt is getting all smeary because he can't get out of the way. He's been sitting on my lap on an old cushion for most of the day.

 

[AmyBella]

Is Duchess still hanging in there? Any improvement?

 

[artsyrobin]

i don't really know, there are times she seems to sink and other times she is very alert- but she has not been eating or drinking much, unless i hand feed her or put drops on her beak, its just a wait and see i think- sigh

 

[AmyBella]

I made a very tough decision to end Wheezy's suffering this morning. He & I were up all night and I could not stand to put him back in his pen to suffer through another day. He could not control his legs at all, and was panting constantly. It was an awful morning, but I am OK. I have never had to do anything like that before.

That chicken will always have a very special place in my heart. I will miss his funny crow (sounded more like someone stepped on a squeek toy than a rooster) and the way he looked at me with his good eye. He was a sweetie and i will miss him very much.

 

[artsyrobin]

I am so very sorry!!! I was wondering this morning how he was, i was considering the same thing when i got up this morning, but i am giving her today as she began eating- if you don't mind me asking, how did you cull him? i was reading various things, and hope it doesn't come to that- it takes a special heart to do what you did, , much as we love our animals, it comes to a point of what is fair to them...

 

[AmyBella]

Thank you so much. Your support really means a lot to me.

After much thought and reading on the forums (reading the wrong threads apparently!), I decided to break his neck but it didn't work so well and I had to run for the ax. It was just horrible! Talk about adding insult to injury!

I'm sending huge hugs, warm wishes, and prayers for you and Ms. Duchess. Please keep in touch and let me know how things work out. I hope that there will be a happy ending to your story.

~Amy

 

[artsyrobin]

i am so sorry! duchess is fading in and out, i gave her some benedryl hoping it might help whatever is going on, as she is now having problems breathing- sigh