merlina Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Something over 4 years ago I got my first 3 chooks. They, and their successors, have made my life a much better and happier place. This week, the last of that original trio lost the use of her legs after looking a little creaky for awhile. I brought her in to the 'chicken hospital' in the conservatory and administered every kind of TLC but it was clear she was just old and not going to recover. I didn't want to take her back to the vets to be PTS (stress of the journey, not particularly positive previous experience), so, having read and read and watched videos decided that the kindest thing was to do it myself. I rather felt I owed her that, that it was the responsible thing to do. The last kindness I could give. But I was very worried that I would cause her harm or suffering. That didn't happen, and that's really why I'm posting. I took her up the back of the garden where she's been so happy as it got dark, sat her on my lap wrapped in a blanket and used the dislocation method to send her to the happy henhouse in the sky. It wasn't difficult (physically) to do. I'm glad I had read that they can open and close their beaks a few times - that was the only unpleasant bit. There was no mad flapping, she just went - apparently painlessly. I'm very glad that I did what I did they way I did. Just wanted to share that in case anyone else finds themselves in the same position. I know some people routinely cull birds, but this was a first (and a big deal) for me. I guess some people may not approve. RIP my friend Edna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Well done Merlina, I fully approve, you did the very best for your little hen.She had a happy life and departed peacefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thumbcat Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Yes, well done Merlina. You did the very best thing for her despite the distress for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Well done. It is never easy, but it is far better that leaving a hen to fade away, as many do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Well done, thats a very brave thing to do for the first time and the very best you could have done for her xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Merlina can I ask where you found something helpful to watch? I posted some time back re this subject and couldnt find anything remotely helpful. Scared myself witless with videos of giant pythons eating chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted June 20, 2015 Author Share Posted June 20, 2015 Thanks for your comments. It's nice to be in a place where people understand. @alisgirls I didn't find the kind of video I was looking for either, really. I more took bits of information from various ones. At one point I was pretty sure I'd use the broomstick method as several people on this forum who know what they're on about talked about using that, and there were a couple of ok videos on that. I actually took a broomstick up the garden with me - I really wasn't 100% sure I would be able to just use my hands until I actually did. At the time, I just felt I didn't want Edna's last moment to be with her head on a cold floor - soft and sentimental of me I know! What I did differently to the videos, pictures etc - all of them were about holding the hen upside down by the legs. (eg see pics here - may be upsetting: http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=8581.0 but the description is useful ) That seems to be relevant if one wishes to eat the bird, but I didn't see the need, so didn't. I did stand up to do it. Edna was wrapped in a blanket and I think that helped. It may also have helped that she was old(ish) (4.5 is quite old for a warren) and her neck didn't seem at all strong. There was literally a few second where I wasn't 100% sure I'd done it right, as she moved around, and then it was very apparent that I had. Overall, it certainly wasn't a pleasant experience, but would definitely choose that as the best way to dispatch a pet chicken again, and would feel more confident next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 Well done. Not sure I am up to that quite yet. Maybe OH will have to oblige if it is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Well done, as Egluntyne says it is far kinder than letting a sick hen die slowly, but it takes courage. I've watched it done but i have wrist problems and I'm not sure I'd have the physical strength to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 You did the best and kindest thing Merlina, and well done for having the courage. Olly, you'd be better off using a broomstick then; it really needs very little strength; I always use either a broomstick or a hatchet as my arms just aren't long enough to do it manually (you've seen the size of me ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
