Time to Euthanize..??.. need moral support and advice...

[Buff Hooligans]

Maybe a vet or vet tech, or animal shelter could do it for free? I mean, there wouldn't be the cost of "health consult", lab tests or a professional diagnosis...

PS: I'm so sorry for you to have to be thinking of doing this. It must be breaking your heart.
I've been watching your brooder cam but have never actually seen her.

 

[Badhbh]

I'm going to be one of the whimpy ones that takes the bird to the vet for a shot. I just can't face actually having to cut something off to end it's pain

I'm a wuss.

 

[megshenhut]

Arlee, if you're doing this by yourself with the hatchet, here's what I've done with adult birds. Take a wood block and pound 2 nails in a ways. Put your bird's head between the nails so it doesn't come out, hold her feet with your spare hand. That keeps the head stationary and helps hold steady everything and gives you more neck area which is where you will chop. The hatchet is quick and the bird doesn't know what is happening and then you aren't likely to miss. It doesn't make it any easier on you, but if birdie is being trampled, the others will likely start pecking on her soon, which you don't want to happen. Birds aren't kind to others very long when something is wrong. This is the worst, worst part of having chickens or any kind of animal. But you don't want your bird to suffer.

 

[nccatnip]

With the small ones, I use starter fluid (ether) and a coffee can. I place a bedding of paper towels, hold my breath and soak one, then place the chick inside. They fall asleep very quickly and pass on.

 

[BantyChickMom]

I am so sorry Arlee.

 

[pips&peeps]

There is still another way to cull a small chicken. As a previous post stated to put the chick in a bag and pop it's head off... yes it's gruesome, but it's quick.

You can do the same with a smaller chicken. Get a plastic bag (I usually get 2) put the chickens head inside and hold the feet. Carefully place your foot on the head from the outside of the bag and give it a good tug, make sure your foot is down tight. This will remove the head quickly. Shove the body back into the bag and tie it up. You should have not any blood spillage.

I have done this several times it is quick and you don't have to look at your little baby while you do it. It is also clean.

Culling is the hardest thing to do when you care for your chickens. You will learn over time which chick can be saved and which cannot.

 

[arlee453]

Thanks, Megshenhut - that's what I was looking for - an easy way to hold her head still and give me somewhere to aim so it would be quick.

Well, the deed is done.

It wasn't as bad as I was dreading it to be. I used a board with two nails over my utility sink out in the barn. Very quick and clean kill, and I buried her with no regrets - it was the right thing to do for her.

Still sucks though, but at least now I know I CAN do what needs to be done when the time comes....

Thanks for all your suggestions and cyber well wishes. Hope it will be a LONG time until I have to do that again.

 

[sunnychooks]

((Tight Hugs))

 

[Wildsky]

 

[Wynette]

I'm so glad you were able to do it. You did the right thing by the little one, even though it was tough.