Very sad day for me processing

[chickenannie]

I've had to do this, and I focus on the fact that they have had a great and happy life up to that point (words from another BYC-er). THAT is what makes the difference. We all have to die one day, but the QUALITY of our life is the important thing. Yours were happy birds.

 

[PurpleChicken]

You are all so kind. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

This thread means a lot to me. You all rock!!!

 

[jaku]

I can't imagine doing that. I dread the day my dogs get too sick to go on, because I literally have no idea how that's going to happen. Regardless of what they are, pets are a whole different thing, and I don't think I could do it. I try to think of my birds as food sources, and that works for me- at least with the meaties. I could cull the layers, but I don't know if I'd want to eat them for some reason.

 

[Imp]

So sorry PC. It's the best last gift you can give a pet. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.
Russ
I'm taking my ancient rescue cat for a probable one way trip to the vet on Monday.

 

[lurky]

 

[Redfeathers]

Because you care for them, you ended what would have been a painful life. My hat is off to you for doing what had to be done. Sometimes you have to make those tough choices and live with them, but at least you have the support from your friends here to hopefully help comfort you in what you know was the right choice.

 

[Mesa]

You did good. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.
I dont know what I'll do when it's my turn to make those tough decisions. I've never processed a bird.... let alone a good pet bird. *sigh* I'll be tough thats for sure.

I had to put down my horse a few yrs back and the neighbor lady came over while I was crying. She said she was an animal whisperer and that my horse said it wasnt ready to die. GEE, Thanks lady! My horse had foundered and rotated and sunk in all 4 feet. Wasnt eating or drinking and hadnt moved an inch in a week....
My only regret was not doing it sooner, while watching him suffer for that week. I moved a portable shelter over him and I, and I sat out there day and night for the entire time. My hubby took time off work, and when he had to go back my MIL came and sat with my young kids so I could be with my horse.
It was an awful experience and that "helpful" neighbor made it all that much harder on me.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Thank you all again for such kind words.

I have a lot of chickens and raise many birds for meat. It is so easy
to get attached to some, like we did the turkey.

Culling a sickly bird really stinks but it is part of having chickens. I
suppose I post this info to get it off my chest. I hope that new chicken
owners will understand that most of us will face this from time to time.

The members if BYC and crazy nutjobs like myself are ready to help
anyone through a sitiuation like this. It happens to us all.


Thanks again for the kind words.

 

[chickenannie]

When a fox got into one of my henhouses in January and slaughtered 10 of my Buff Orpingtons, I had to cull my beautiful rooster, George (in my avatar), who had been several injured by the fox and was near death but kept lingering. It was awful, but I had to do it because he was in terrible pain and was suffering. I had called the neighbors to come over and shoot the fox in the henhouse (it was mangey), which they did, and they were still there and offered to do it for me but I knew I needed to do it immediately and not let George suffer any moments longer, so I culled him with everybody there. It was awful. Thankfully, they were mostly farm people who understood the situation and were empathic. George, rest in peace.

 

[Chic-n-farmer]