The Mechanics Of Mercy

[tweetysvoice]

Thank you so much! That's very helpful, and reassuring. The hen mentioned in that blog post has a beak about as bad as my little chick's. I'm hoping hers doesn't get any worse as she gets older. Fingers crossed!

I love how this thread has gone from "how can I kill this bird?" to "hey, she could totally make it".

Your welcome! I loved that she gave information on how to help them live with it as well, such as raising the feed higher! Wishing you all the best and please keep us posted!

 

[Skwishface]

Seems my little cross-beak bird is taking a downward turn. Last night, the heat lamp in their brooder went out. The other birds were just fine with the (very moderate) chill of my 75-degree house, woke up all perky and hungry, but the cross-beak just sat there and shivered. I had to warm her up between my hands and breathe on her a bit to get her willing to move around and eat. Looks like we may be back to my original inquiry.

I'm a surburban mom - I don't currently own an axe. This is easily remedied with a shopping trip, though. I've heard rumor that holding a chicken upside down for a bit will get them to pass out. Would that maybe make it kinder for her?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Knittycat]

A sharp pair of scissors. It seems gruesome, but it really is for the best.

 

[bobbi-j]

Seems my little cross-beak bird is taking a downward turn. Last night, the heat lamp in their brooder went out. The other birds were just fine with the (very moderate) chill of my 75-degree house, woke up all perky and hungry, but the cross-beak just sat there and shivered. I had to warm her up between my hands and breathe on her a bit to get her willing to move around and eat. Looks like we may be back to my original inquiry.

I'm a surburban mom - I don't currently own an axe. This is easily remedied with a shopping trip, though. I've heard rumor that holding a chicken upside down for a bit will get them to pass out. Would that maybe make it kinder for her?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

No, it wouldn't be kinder. From what I have read, they pass out because they can't breathe. You really don't want to make her suffer that way. How old is she? You may not need an axe. Either a sharp pair of scissors or a sharp knife will do the trick.

 

[Skwishface]

Last night, she had to be put down. Her beak had gotten so badly misaligned that every time she tried to eat she would pack food into her eye. Her life would be a short experience of constant hunger and eye infections. I snapped her neck quick and clean. It was over in seconds, and the kids helped me bury her under the grapefruit tree this morning.

Thanks for all your advice, folks!

 

[tyjaco]

I'm sorry things ended up the way they did - but you are a good chicken mom!
You did the right thing. I only hope I have your strength if I ever have to help one who is suffering...

hats off to you...

 

[ButchGood]

You really tried hard for the little guy. Sorry it ended the way it did. You did the right thing at the right time.

 

[mohillbilly]

you did the right thing as you would not want that trait passed down to future hatches

 

[EweSheep]