Update: Pet hen needs to be put down humanely. I need to know how.

[Indiana hens]

Not that I like rescues, but do you have any around that are willing to try and save her? That is what they do.

 

[chicknmania]

Here's what we did in Ohio, and you can try, if you want to and run out of other resources. Call the State ag department and see if they will euthanize her for you. State of Ohio ag dept did if for us, but we were having a problem with the flock that put us under quarantine for a while. They charged us $12.00. To us it was worth it not to have her suffer anymore. A vet might do it for you for a small fee, also, worth checking into.

 

[picklespickles]

wynette. i also pray and htink about chicken heaven.

 

[Wynette]

pickle.....

 

[chiknlittle]

I had 2 chicken orders last year, one was the 25 meat birds, and the second was laying hens. The meat birds did just fine in the same enclosures even though there were more of them and they were larger birds. I don't know what happened with the egg layers, but I do have some coop improvement to make before the next order of meat birds get here. These improvements will increase floor space and make it easier to clean and ventilate. I do give treats, and I plan to try some freeranging (outside of the existing runs). I know somebody that would buy the remaining 2 laying hens. But there aren't a lot of people that can help otherwise. I live about 30 miles from any town, the county extension office can't help, and there are no processors or rescues around. I truely am on my own.

Pickles and Wynette: I hope chicken heaven isn't situated too close to dog heaven. My dog would never find peace.

 

[picklespickles]

well, if you can't do a butcher knife or it's too freaky, the least physically challenging thing i can think of would be like suffocation. but i'm not sure that is quicker or less painless. (and people please don't write me that i'm advocating random suffocating of innocent chickens) i really don't know of a shot. maybe you could overdose her with a sleeping pill in her water? again, my solutions aren't good, but just ideas. i have been in the no one to help me boat before and gotten lots of cristicism for trying to the best thing posisble at the time. so i'm taking her post with that in mind.

 

[Wynette]

I twice used the ether method of ending a chicken's life. It took way longer than I thought it would, and after learning more, will not use that method again. (Basically, they suffocate). However, if you have one that is suffering, I would think the ether method, even though it takes a few minutes, would still be better than allowing the chicken to suffer. JMO.

 

[picklespickles]

whatever you decide, i'm sure your chicken has had more chance at life than the average one. so, don't feel bad whatever way it goes.

 

[Wynette]

Yes, I agree with picklespickles. You have to listen to your heart in these matters. If you think it's time to help her pass, then somehow find the strength.

 

[Poison Ivy]

If you can't cut the throat then maybe do the head under the broom stick and pull up enough to break the neck. We have tried all the methods for killing on the meat chickens a couple weekends ago. I like the broom stick method or the cut to the throat the best. The broom stick may be best for you if you need to do the chicken yourself and don't want any blood to clean up.