Hi gang,
Unfortunately poor Princess didn't make it as far as the vets
When I went to let the girls out on Tuesday morning I found her at the bottom of the coop in a sorry state. I think she might have tried to perch and fallen off at some stage during the night. She was lying on her side and was struggling to get to her feet (and it looks like she had been struggling a long time before I found her, all the bedding surrounding her had been kicked away). The vet doesn't open till 11 am and I couldn't leave her suffering for another 5 hours, so I dispatched her myself.
I did a quick google to reassure myself of the broomstick method, and dispatched her a few minutes later. When the vets opened, I called to let them know and the vet collected the carcass. She said she would do an autopsy to detremine whether she had a break or sprain or possibly something like Mareks. She had a good look with my other two and asked that I keep an eye on them for a few weeks. The coop and run got a thourough cleaning. All bedding and litter was removed and burned, the coop and perches were scrubbed within an inch of their lives. (On the plus side, no redmite
) I should have the results of the autopsy by Friday (maybe longer if it needs serious investigation). In the mean time I rang the breeder and she confirmed that the chicks were vaccinated and to be honest I believe her. She has even offered to replace Princess free of charge but I'll wait and see what the vet comes back with first.
I'm gutted she's gone as she was my favourite
but in a way I'm glad that I got to do the deed myself. I'll admit that I used a bit too much force and ***LOOK AWAY IF SQUEAMISH!!!*** unfortunately decapitated her in the process. But it was all over very quickly and quietly (except for me sobbing after!
)
RIP Princess
xxx