Peaches Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Sometimes having chickens isn't fun.... our Daphne has been gradually failing over the past couple of weeks - I think it is sterile peritonitis. I have had her at the vets and they can't help and it has got to the point where I can't watch her suffer any more. She's hardly eating or moving, so a friend (experienced in doing this) is coming around later on to dispatch her. I feel like an evil dictator who gets to decide who lives and who dies ..... I love having my chickens, but not recently .... Fiona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 You sound anything but evil to me ... you have done your best for poor Daphne and in asking your friend to help you out, you are just easing her out of her suffering. Heart breaking decision to have to make, but definitely NOT evil. Big hugs for you and Daphne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Its natural to feel bad and I know its tough, but you are stopping any pain that she can't tell you she is feeling. You are right, it is the upsetting side of chook keeping, but you are being responsible and doing the right thing. I think your signature lines say it all really; when the immediate unhappiness has subsided you will still have your fantastic memories knowing she had a good life and a caring owner. RIP Daphne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted September 5, 2011 Author Share Posted September 5, 2011 Thanks, Bramble & Daphne (sorry for the same name!). I can't believe how terrible I feel - the antibiotics haven't helped and I have run out of options. I'm afraid I can't look her in the face now that I have asked our friend to come and dispatch. But thanks for your words, I feel really bad today so it's nice to hear from other chicken keepers who understand the ups and downs. Fiona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 When you have done all that you can do, as you have, it is braver and kinder to have her humanely pts as you are doing. It is far, far worse to stand back, do nothing and wait for the end to come. You will feel better knowing she is not in pain or being allowed to simply waste away. Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 If you know that she is suffering and the vet can't help her, you are doing the kindest thing for her. It is really hard, I know - I have just had to have my dear little frizzle Pekin Rosie PTS because of a neurological problem, and I felt very bad about it, but sometimes there is no option and you just have to do what you know is right. Just try to remember the lovely life she has had with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 You have made the right decision. Not easy, but far kinder than letting her linger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 So sorry to read this. I guess you have to remember the wonderful life of freedom and love you have given Daphne . Ending her suffering is the kindest thing you will ever to for her. I understand the guilt you feel and sending big hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted September 5, 2011 Author Share Posted September 5, 2011 Thanks, again, for all your words of support - it really helps. The deed has been done and I am tearful, but do not feel as bad as I have been feeling before. Maybe because I know it was the right thing to do given the circumstances and I know she won't have to go through another night of pain. xx Fiona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 You've done the right thing - you've saved her from further suffering, poor thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted September 5, 2011 Share Posted September 5, 2011 Brave decision and taken in her best interests. Well done x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 Always a hard decision, much kinder to do it than to let her suffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 RIP Daphne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
