I had 2 hybrid chickens and I read they only live 3-4 years. The day after the first passed the other began limping. I took her to an exotic vet expecting euthanasia and was surprised when she wanted me to try pain meds and antibiotics. She was closing up shop and would not be able to follow up. A month later Petra was still limping so I took her to another exotic vet expecting euthanasia and this one wanted to try pain meds too. So long story short, she couldn’t really walk for 2 months slowly getting thinner and weaker. ****ing around with pain meds. I was allowing her to stay on the coop on fresh bedding some days, and bring her out for fresh air. This morning she had moved across the coop with a strange brown fluid I thought was diarrhea. I decided to make her a bath. When I lifted her and checked her she had maggots all over her. I don’t think in her vent, more on her hip. Maybe she had a wound I didn’t see. I was horrified and felt like such an asshole. I called my vet who doesn’t see exotics and asked if they would humanely euthanize her which they did. I was so ashamed to bring her in, in that condition. I can’t get that odd smell out of my nose. What happened? Was it her weakened state, an unseen wound, an internal infection? What was that dark brown fluid? Blood, wound exudate or diarrhea? Why didn’t the ****ing vets want to put her down sooner? When a chicken stops laying and starts limping. Just put them the **** down. Jesus Christ what a nightmare. Petra, I’m so sorry I let you down in such a big way. Please forgive me, I never meant for you to suffer. I won’t make this mistake again. ごめんなさい
