When to put the ol' girl down??

[yourbadd]

We had a nasty raccon attack last Thursday and lost 7 hens. One of my 2 yr old Barred Rocks was injured. She is favoring her left leg and may have broken her right wing. She's not actively seeking food or water and I've been "force" feeding and giving her water since the attack. She will come out of the coop but just sleeps all day. The other hens are picking on her and she is covered in poo from laying on the bottom of the coop all night. It's been a week and I'm not seeing much improvement from her. At what point do I say she's suffering and humanely put her down??

Deborah

 

[Imp]

So sorry that you are going through this. Only you know when it's time. Chickens can survive some awful wounds, but if she is not getting better...

Good luck

Imp

 

[MotherJean]

Very sad, indeed. It's possible that a puncture wound or two might have escaped detection and are now badly infected. Some of the depression might be as a result of pain from her injuries, too. If you're not in the position to set the broken wing, bathe her, look for and treat any wounds or abscesses, purchase necessary medications, and/or consult a Vet...then I would say, "It's time."

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Kedreeva]

If you were seeing improvement or a will to live, I might say keep fighting. But if she's given up and wants to rest, perhaps it is time to let her.