When to put down and when to let it go

[heatherlaw]

This is what I found in my girls crop. She is only 6 weeks old so that was a lot for her size

The yellow this was a tumor

 

[lindalouly]

This is what I found in my girls crop. She is only 6 weeks old so that was a lot for her size

The yellow this was a tumor

You are a pretty amazing person. Good job.

 

[heatherlaw]

I'm happy to say she's a healthy chick now who just had an extra large crop. More to eat right she's my husbands favorite and spoiled rotten. I'll admit though, I almost puked when I pulled that thing out. It was as big as my finger

 

[WhenInRhome]

What do you use for pain/numbing? Do you put them to sleep first?

 

[heatherlaw]

No. Unfortunately there's not much you can do to numb it other than ice it and it's dangerous to put a chicken to sleep. I just did it without anything. She chirped when I made the cut through her skin and then just closed her eyes and didn't move the rest of the time. Chickens don't have many nerves there. I felt bad but she was a little trooper through the whole thing. Didn't even squirm

 

[heatherlaw]

It's hard to cause something pain but when you consider that the alternative is almost certainly death then it's a little easier

 

[WhenInRhome]

I watched a few you tube videos to see it done. I showed the hubby too. We think we could do it but are worried about closing the hole in the crop then the skin. Seems above our skill level.

He has been like this for months. The know is hard as a brick. I doubt he can pass it on his own. Looks like we might have to put him down

 

[heatherlaw]

Well the stitches don't have to be fancy. If you can tie a knot you can do it, but if you are afraid you can't and don't want him to suffer then it might be best to put him down. You could always practice the stitches on a piece of fabric first, just to see if you can. They don't have to be suture knots which are so hard to do. As long as the thread isn't pulled too tight the it's fine. Chickens are amazing at healing. You would be surprised. I didn't even stick my girl cuz I did such a small incision

 

[lindalouly]

Keep us posted.... Sorry you are going through this.