When is it the right time to put a chicken down?

[haileyeverhart]

About 6 months ago I rescued 2 jumbo Cornish rock cross' from a boy who didn't know how to care for chickens. I knew very well how this breed grows at a rapid rate, but I just wanted to give these two chicks a nice life, one without abuse, and one much longer than the harvesting age of 48 days. My chickens are all pets, I love them, I have 7 other hens and two of them were raised with these chicks. I carefully fed them as chicks by not leaving the feeder in the cage with them, knowing they'll only sit at it and eat and eat, even if they were full. By 4 months they were already gasping for breath and waddling like ducks. But they were happy. When they were moved out to the barn with my 2 goats and 7 hens, they were only fed once a day, but generously. My chickens all free range in a fenced in area. They are now roughly 6 months old, one of the fat white chickens laid an egg, she was the smaller one, she was much less fat than the (assumed) cockerel. I named the hen Gilly and the assumed cockerel, because he never laid an egg, Samwell. He has never crowed but is noisy at times, and never tried mounting any of my hens, but never laid an egg like my 3 pullets.
So this morning, Samwell was not well, his left leg seemed to be failing him, he flapped around and stumbled to get to his pile of food, and eventually just sat down. They usually sit for a long time, but I knew he didn't want to be sitting at this time. Theres a small chance my goats could have stepped on him because they are very slow, but sadly I'm thinking his fat body is beginning to fail him. I always knew this was gonna happen, just not so early. He is much fatter than his sister, but he's only 6 months old. I was hoping for him to live at least 3 years. So my question is, have any of you had this experience? I know most of you probably would have killed him at 48 days old and fried him on your grill, but just know I do NOT plan on eating him, I plan on taking him to the vet and getting him euthanized when the time is right. But I don't know when the time is right. So please answer me this because I am so scared and confused for my fat Samwell, when is the right time to put him down? Thanks for reading.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Put him down when it appears to you he is suffering more than he's enjoying life. A floppy leg doesn't necessarily need to keep a chicken down. Give him some time to see how it goes.

Birds in pain with sit still and often gasp for air. Only you can judge because you can see him and you know him.

 

[junebuggena]

These birds rarely make it past 6 months of age, even under the best of circumstances. With strictly regulated feeding management, a few have made it to a year. It takes a very carefully managed feeding program to control their growth rate, starting at about 4 weeks old. Keeping them past 10 weeks old, without properly regulated diet, is just delaying the inevitable and prolonging suffering.

 

[haileyeverhart]

These birds rarely make it past 6 months of age, even under the best of circumstances. With strictly regulated feeding management, a few have made it to a year. It takes a very carefully managed feeding program to control their growth rate, starting at about 4 weeks old. Keeping them past 10 weeks old, without properly regulated diet, is just delaying the inevitable and prolonging suffering.

I can't help but feel as if it's my fault, I never let them eat too much yet he's still a little fatty. But I definitely will pull the plug when I need to, thank you.

 

[haileyeverhart]

Put him down when it appears to you he is suffering more than he's enjoying life. A floppy leg doesn't necessarily need to keep a chicken down. Give him some time to see how it goes.

Birds in pain with sit still and often gasp for air. Only you can judge because you can see him and you know him.

Thank you, they've always waddled and seemed happy, but when hes quiet and not himself, I will do what I have to.

 

[junebuggena]

I can't help but feel as if it's my fault, I never let them eat too much yet he's still a little fatty. But I definitely will pull the plug when I need to, thank you.

The damage was likely done before you ever got them. The growth rate needs to be controlled before 6 weeks of age. If you try to regulate them once they are a few months old, it's too late. The growth rate has already slowed by that point. It's the early development that is critical for these birds. It gives their bones a chance to develop enough to support their eventual mass.

 

[treslilbirds]

I'm sorry your having to go through this. No matter the animal, it's never easy to face losing a pet. I've never had to deal with losing a chicken...yet. But having worked as a vet assistant for many moons, I can tell you it all comes down to quality of life for any living creature.

How are his respirations, can he breathe comfortably or is it labored? Is he in pain? Can the pain be alleviated? Is he able or still wanting to eat (which may or may not be a factor in your unique case. It sounds like those poor birds will just eat themselves to death)? Also you want to consider mobility, can he move around enough on his own that he's able to move out of his own waste or just because. If he's unable to move freely, you risk developing sores, like bedsores in humans, animals get the same thing.

It sounds to me like you gave this little guy a better life than he could have ever dreamed of having. You did all you could and got him this far. Unfortunately us humans just didn't breed those poor guys to live past a certain point really. If you can tell that his body is failing him at this point, you shouldn't feel any guilt about relieving his pain, even if it is sooner than you hoped. I think it's very kind of you taking the extra step to go to the vet. It's a very peaceful way to go, fitting for the loving life you wanted to give him.

Hugs.

 

[haileyeverhart]

I'm sorry your having to go through this. No matter the animal, it's never easy to face losing a pet. I've never had to deal with losing a chicken...yet. But having worked as a vet assistant for many moons, I can tell you it all comes down to quality of life for any living creature.

How are his respirations, can he breathe comfortably or is it labored? Is he in pain? Can the pain be alleviated? Is he able or still wanting to eat (which may or may not be a factor in your unique case. It sounds like those poor birds will just eat themselves to death)? Also you want to consider mobility, can he move around enough on his own that he's able to move out of his own waste or just because. If he's unable to move freely, you risk developing sores, like bedsores in humans, animals get the same thing.

It sounds to me like you gave this little guy a better life than he could have ever dreamed of having. You did all you could and got him this far. Unfortunately us humans just didn't breed those poor guys to live past a certain point really. If you can tell that his body is failing him at this point, you shouldn't feel any guilt about relieving his pain, even if it is sooner than you hoped. I think it's very kind of you taking the extra step to go to the vet. It's a very peaceful way to go, fitting for the loving life you wanted to give him.

Hugs.

He's able to move freely as of now, I feel like soon he won't be. And yes he loves eating! And can drink as well. His breathing is fine, so I think I will wait until all the symptoms you are talking about are showing. And thank you so much it is very unfortunate but thankfully the hen seems to be doing very well. How ever long he lives to he had the best life a meat chicken could have.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

I'm one of those people who always hold out hope for the best.
But as already pointed out previously, and you were already aware, slaughter type birds are a special case. Everyone above has given great advice about your fellow's quality of life. I agree that you'll know when he isn't enjoying life anymore.

That was very kind of you to take in the birds knowing what lay ahead so they could have the best life that they could. And it's beyond commendable that you are strong enough and prepared to take care of him so he doesn't suffer.

Thank you for all that you do. It does make a big difference.

 

[haileyeverhart]

I'm one of those people who always hold out hope for the best.
But as already pointed out previously, and you were already aware, slaughter type birds are a special case. Everyone above has given great advice about your fellow's quality of life. I agree that you'll know when he isn't enjoying life anymore.

That was very kind of you to take in the birds knowing what lay ahead so they could have the best life that they could. And it's beyond commendable that you are strong enough and prepared to take care of him so he doesn't suffer.

Thank you for all that you do. It does make a big difference.

Thank you! All animals deserve a loving life.