The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[getaclue]

Well, that limits your options. IF you really wanted to keep your Brahma line going, you know who you've sold to in the past. Maybe you could purchase a cockerel/rooster from one of them, OR you might even be able to arrange a "loaner" for a couple weeks.

 

[speckledhen]

No, not keeping them going. I don't mind a Brahma hen or two in a mixed flock, but I'm trying to go back to smaller breeds now. I was going to sell any I hatched. Shame, because Bash is the sweetest rooster I think I've ever had. I was out in the pen just now breaking apart acorns so he could take them from me and give them to his hens, LOL. The pen is full of the darn things and he could get them himself since squirrels sit in there and leave pieces all around, but no, he wants Mom to hand them to him so he can be the benevolent provider. Not spoiled at all, is he?

 

[getaclue]

Good thing you don't spoil them.

 

[speckledhen]

Seems Spike has an injured leg, possibly was dislocated or even broken. One is very swollen from hock to up into the hip, just like the Belgian D'Anver hen who had a vertical fracture in her leg years ago. I wasn't sure if his bizarre gait was due to his neurological issues, but this evening, I caught him and it's swollen badly. So, he is in the hospital cage with a painkiller and some antibiotic in case of infection, but at his age, about 9 years old, I think we may just have to put him down. I'm sure he was hurt because of his wonky balance in the first place, probably was harassed by his sire and somehow hurt himself this way. Dang it. I know when he snuggles up to me that something is horribly wrong. Those males are definite touch-me-not types.

 

[speckledhen]

People are getting on my nerves today. Imagine that. On my video about my favorite backyard chicken breed (the Barred Plymouth Rock) someone said I should get Dominiques and proceeded to tell me why. Now, I did not ask for suggestions for another breed and c'mon, lady... I mean, helloooo, the title of the video is

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Barred Plymouth Rock: My Favorite Homestead Chicken Breed

So, Spike's leg is not as swollen as it was, but he can't use it at all. And I heard him making unsettled sounds over the monitor after being literally in one place all day long, the front corner of the hospital cage. I went out in my pajamas to see what was wrong. He was hungry and thirsty and couldn't reach his food/water so I put some water in a yogurt container and offered it to him. He just stared so I dropped a pea into it from the scratch mix and he started guzzling water, eventually ate the pea and later, a lot more food in that same cup. That was his problem, his lack of mobility now. I guess all we can hope for poor sweet little Spike is a smooth journey to that Great Roost in the Sky. He's been very calm today, really, until tonight. After observing these birds for all these years, I really feel they know when it's their time. I can't even describe the look in his eyes today as I quietly spoke to him very close to his face through the wire. He really looked at me, into my eyes, and not with fear or nervousness, just like I was his mom. I'll miss that little goober.

I told Tom what the trouble was and he shook his head, said he didn't want to have to put him down. He is so soft hearted. I guess it will be up to me since he's my little man. I haven't done that in ages. Tom did Carly when she was having frequent seizures and I think that was the last one we had to do, unless I'm forgetting one. How do you usually put down your bantams? Cervical dislocation? Seems the easiest....well, nothing is easy . I find it interesting that folks think it should be easy for us to put down a chicken when they would never think of executing their own dog. And Spike is 9 years old, a respectable age for most dogs. I didn't realize how fond of that little imp I'd become until I was holding him in my arms and he was going to sleep, not trying to bite me or get away from me as I was thinking I would have to help him along on his final journey.

 

[getaclue]

Quite some time ago, I researched, and a vet had posted the 2 most humane methods of dispatching a chicken was either cervical dislocation, or swiftly cutting it's head off.

When they removed my breasts, they also cut out my lymph nodes. This has severely limited the use of my arms, and the strength I have in my arms. It's not like I can ensure I'll have the strength to do a swift, efficient cervical dislocation. I don't want my birds to suffer, due to a lack on my part. I decided I'd probably be best with a hatchet, BUT this too proved to be difficult for me. I didn't have quite enough oomph. Instead, I lay them on a board, the board has a couple holes drilled, so I can loop a piece of twine at the neck, and foot end of the bird. I secure the bird without it being too tight. I then place the hatchet lightly on the neck of the bird, and hit the hatchet with a small 5 pound sledge hammer.

The small sledge hammer ensures I hit with enough force, that it's all done in one fell swoop. The hard part is over almost instantly. Their head is removed. Yes, there is still body movement for a bit due to nerve, and muscle reaction, but I know they are not still alive, and suffering.

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you for that explanation, Cheryl. That sounds like the best way to do it for me personally, other than just holding the bird and pinching off the air supply for a minute like you can with chicks. The pinch method would probably work fine with Spike right now. I took him out in the sunshine in the grass. He has no interest in his surroundings, probably realizes he is 100% vulnerable and too nervous even with me standing over him. I just picked him up again and held him and he went right to sleep. It wouldn't take long at all for a tiny guy like him to do that. Your method is one I'm going to employ, either this time or in the future. I can't rely on Tom much to do it. He's a marshmallow. I am, too, but there is no one else.

 

[getaclue]

I'm sorry to hear this about Spike. Things happen though, and our birds rely on us, not only for their regular care, but to know when to end their suffering, and to do it swiftly. It's the hardest part of being a good flockmaster, for sure.

I make sure I have the hole dug where I'm going to bury them, prior to dispatching. I clean everything up right away. After that, I go inside, and allow myself to destress from the ordeal. I do something I enjoy, for a little bit. I'll grab an extra cup of coffee, a cookie or two, etc. Once I've given myself a little bit of time to destress, I resume my normal routine.

 

[speckledhen]

We euthanized Spike a bit ago. He was going downhill fast. I saw the same thing in his eyes as I did my 15 yr old Pointer/Lab girl the last few days before she made her final trip to the vet. He didn't even resist. It was like he welcomed it, wanted it. So, RIP, little Spikers.

 

[getaclue]

Having had to put a few down myself, I understand it's difficult, and emotionally draining. When it's all said, and done though, it's for the best.