Suzie still alive but barely-should I end her suffering or hang on

[Violet5]

Her dog attack was Sunday evening, so I managed to keep her alive for 3 days by lifting her head and dipping her beak in water to drink. Even runny food she is more reluctant to eat but has gotten some down. This evening I can't really get her to wake up enough to drink let alone eat anything. One of her legs is in a locked position and she does not change positions at all. I have heard that with care they can recover from pretty serious injury but is this cruel? I am willing to end her suffering if that is the right thing to do but i don't want to play God. It needs to be pretty clear. I don't want to take the easy way out either if there is hope she really can recover. For a while I took her willingness to drink the water I hold for her as a will to live. Guess I will go try again. I am so sorry for her.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

I would cull, you would be sending her to a better place

 

[hcppam]

I'm a softy...I cant tell you what to do,I know I would wait, but that's me.

 

[ginormous chicken]

culling is so hard...

. I've had more than my fair share of death on the farm this summer. You should do what you think is right esp. keep in mind the chickens overall happiness in the long run. I can't tell you what to do, but I understand.

 

[Violet5]

I worry that if she did survive she won't be able to walk. Then what, survive all this suffering only to be put down? I have been trying not to focus on that. I am stalling on going back in there but I guess I will go try again.

 

[spish]

people may laugh at me for saying this but ask Suzie what you should do....look at her, and i mean really look at her...She'll give you the answer. they say the eyes are the doorway to ones soul, look deep in her eyes and she'll let you know

you can 'tell' when its time to cull, dont feel bad...

 

[shelleyi]

just want to say so sorry for the difficult position you are in. poor suzie and poor you.

 

[AngelzFyre]

Quote:
I totally agree with you spish!


Violet, I'm very sorry she's not doing better.

 

[chkn]

Actually, plenty of chickens have had legs injured but it takes time for the muscle and tendon to be useful to them. Give her two weeks. I use my finger to drop water on to the beak. Let her sip it off her beak. Put a little gatorade in the water because they like the taste and its good for them with the electrolytes. Offer her a little bit of cat food, bits of fresh tomato, lettuce, and bits of grape. Get some penicillin or Tylan antibiotic to fight off any infection (farm supply stores have them). Give her a chance because I had a cat that was mauled by a dog. The only way she could get around for two weeks was to crawl, almost drag herself. That's what the vet said, it's just wait and see. Keep her warm, keep food and water available and give lots of TLC. Some chickens like to have little face, ear and earlobe rubs. She'll always appreciate it believe me. Make sure you treat any scrapes or cuts with some neosporine (don't get the kind with pain reliever in it). You could also put a 1/8 of a plain aspirin crushed in water and dribble that on the beak too. Do the gatorade first though.

 

[chkn]

Violet, do this as a learning experience because you're always going to be doctoring some chicken. She really does need your help right now so work on hydrating, I know she's trying like she wants to make it.