[feelingbroody]

Hi all

It may seen like a really question this early in the morning, but having read a post about something else one member made reference to helping a chicken on its way that was poorly and was clearly suffering and was not going to get better.

So, I need to ask, what do you chicken keepers do when that time approaches. I really dont think I could do the deed myself but obviously I would not want to let the creature suffer either so do you take the poorly bird to the vets? or 

Obviously this is something I will have to face at one time but being new to this up until now I hadn't even given it a thought.

Gosh I feel like the grim reaper.

Thanks all for your advice which I know will be as ever very imformative


Broody

[joyfull]

there are courses that you can go on which will teach you how to dispatched quickly and cleanly - often using the broom handle method. Or you could look at this and learn how to do this method:-
http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=8581.0
Or you could use a sharp axe like I do or buy a chicken dispatcher in which you put the neck in and pull the handle down.
If it is a chick then placing it's neck over a sharp edge such as a metal fence and then pressing on it's neck is clean and quick.
The vets is another option or you could find somebody nearby who is able to do it.
Personally I feel that every chicken keeper should know how to do the deed in case of emergencies but I realise that not everybody feels able to do so. The main thing is to do it in a caring calm manner and to do it as quick as possible (it will seem like hours especially if you don't get it right first time but really it is over in seconds).
Remember the chicken will still flap around for a while afterwards but this is just the nerves and the bird really is dead.
Hope this helps 

Just going to pop this over to the hen house as you may get more answers in that section 

[gsc]

I think I am going to have to learn to do it.  I have decided to hatch and I doubt I can see all the boys off to good homes 

Hubby did say he would do the deed but we'll have to see when the time comes.

I do agree with Joyfull though - it's something we need to have the courage to do in emergencies.

[joyfull]

my other half can't do the deed with the chickens but I can, however we get rabbits with myxie round here and he has to sort them out as I can't cause they is fluffy 

[Jeanette]

I take mine to the vet. Its the cowards way.

[joyfull]

not a cowards way at all, it's just one way that suits you. Any way is ok so long as it is instant and the chicken is not left suffering.

[Evansent]

I did my first one the other day, as she was sick and suffering. It wasn't nice, but the bad feeling I had when she was in obvious pain was worse.

I have watched my cousin and uncle do it a few times, so I knew what to expect.


C

[gsc]

Well done Evansent.  That's the toughest thing of all - knowing when to let go.

[feelingbroody]

Thanks Joy,

I will have a look at the links you posted, still I dont think I could do it, but I do agree with the others that have replied it is something that eveyone should know how to do, maybe its the last act of kindness we can show to our birds 

I think a friend of mine who raises pheasants would be on call to release mine to pastures new, I cried for weeks when I had my rabbit put to sleep at the vets !!!

Thank you for your thoughts and comments

Broody

[Hawkins]

I take mine to the vet they only charge me £12.00.

I think if it was an emergency and I really had to I would use the axe. (hasnt come to that yet thought) and im building myself up to go on a course. I think its harder if you havent seen it done or have a confident person with you. I have a farmer friend who would do it if I was desperate.

[Draindragon]

I have a local chicken keeper who does my dispatching for me. It does not make it any easier but better for the girls.