When is it time to end a life?

[HappyTLee]

I have a hen that has battled worms (no, unfortunately I don't know what kind) for several months, I have worked into her diet Vet approved worm meds, food grade diatomaceous Earth into their food, and apple cider vinegar into their water system. They have been on vet approved meds for almost 6 months and garlic water for the same time. She can't kick it. The odd part is she is not being picked on or harmed by the others. She wants to sleep all the time, her comb is very droopy and purple color on the tips. She just doesn't look very happy. I don't want to kill her, but I also don't want her to suffer. Is it time for her to go? I am now wondering if one of my other hens, who is very friendly with the sick one, if she has stopped laying eggs because of the sick one? I don't know... The sick one is the only one with terrible diarrhea, an unhealthy comb and super tired. Poor girl. Thanks for your input.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I have a hen that has battled worms (no, unfortunately I don't know what kind) for several months, I have worked into her diet Vet approved worm meds, food grade diatomaceous Earth into their food, and apple cider vinegar into their water system. They have been on vet approved meds for almost 6 months and garlic water for the same time. She can't kick it. The odd part is she is not being picked on or harmed by the others. She wants to sleep all the time, her comb is very droopy and purple color on the tips. She just doesn't look very happy. I don't want to kill her, but I also don't want her to suffer. Is it time for her to go? I am now wondering if one of my other hens, who is very friendly with the sick one, if she has stopped laying eggs because of the sick one? I don't know... The sick one is the only one with terrible diarrhea, an unhealthy comb and super tired. Poor girl. Thanks for your input.

Are you sure it's worms?

What's the wormer you've been giving?

Diatomaceous Earth, Apple Cider Vinegar, & Garlic do nothing for internal parasites.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

We love our pets but ultimately they are animals and don't understand things like we do. They don't even "understand" the suffering yours is going through now- she simply knows something is wrong and is reacting as nature tells her to. Everyone has different opinions, but the "humane" thing to do once you have tried what you are financially and physically able to do (which it appears you have already gone above what most would) is to euthanize if she is still suffering.

You should feel compassionate about your decision and at this point know that you have done what you can. There is no harm or shame in that.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a hen that has battled worms (no, unfortunately I don't know what kind) for several months, I have worked into her diet Vet approved worm meds, food grade diatomaceous Earth into their food, and apple cider vinegar into their water system. They have been on vet approved meds for almost 6 months and garlic water for the same time. She can't kick it. The odd part is she is not being picked on or harmed by the others. She wants to sleep all the time, her comb is very droopy and purple color on the tips. She just doesn't look very happy. I don't want to kill her, but I also don't want her to suffer. Is it time for her to go? I am now wondering if one of my other hens, who is very friendly with the sick one, if she has stopped laying eggs because of the sick one? I don't know... The sick one is the only one with terrible diarrhea, an unhealthy comb and super tired. Poor girl. Thanks for your input.

Do you see worms in her poop? Or how do you know it's worms that you are battling?
You mention working vet approved meds into her diet - please, tell us what those are?
Have you treated her with an anthelmintic (Fenbendazole, Albendazole, Flubendazole, etc.) or just ACV, Garlic, DE - natural remedies?

Age of hen, what is being fed, photos...these may also be helpful.

That said, if the poor girl is suffering, then ending her misery is an appropriate action. It's sad and not something any of us like to face.