Suffering hen-when is it time to euthanize?

[Jesseanne]

About 2 days ago our Rhode Island Red started having trouble walking. She will take a few steps very wobbly and then sit down. She is still eating and drinking. We don't see any injuries to her feet or legs. We had hoped she would get better but she doesn't seem to be. We have been having extreme heat for many days in a row. Could she have suffered heat stroke? Can she get better or is it time to ethanize her? We are new to chickens and have never had to kill one. I am sick to my stomach at the thought of having to kill her but I hate to see her suffer, too.

 

[jjthinkagain]

First, get her somewhere cooler for awhile (with all her needs close at hand) and see how she does. Got to get her out of the heat.
JJ

 

[Turner]

Could be heat but sounds more like Mareks. Keep her cool with fresh water and food where she can get to it without walking - if it is Mareks she could recover but it will take a while, slowly get her mobility back. Good Luck

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I think perhaps just getting her out of the heat and observing her for a day or two should tell you what you need to do. If you see no improvement and she is obviously suffering, then your heart will tell you what is right.
As far as mareks, I doubt it.

 

[chicmom]

I agree with the previous comments posted, plus I would give her some vitamins/electrolites in her drinking water too. If she's eating and drinking, she could still get better. Some chickens do survive a stroke, if that's what happened.

 

[jjthink]

Jesseanne, what happened?

JJ