[andreadon]

a while ago, i posted about Jessica (top hen) having watery poos etc.
Adam took her to the vet and he gave her the usual Baytril, which helped a biut, but within a couple of weeks she was back to being poorly and not eating but drinking loads and loads of water, and of course runny poos.

Adam took her back to the vet yesterday and they X-rayed her.  She's got a tumour (they think it's in her digestive system (ie gut) and they said it's inoperable.

She's been given more baytril to make her feel a bit more perky (because the other option was not a good one ) and a cat digestive drop that will help her digest the food in her crop.

I've got her in the shop now - she's in the back garden here at the moment. she seems okay, but just less active.



don't know how long it'll take her to die.          

[Casey76]

don't know how long it'll take her to die.

It should never, ever come to that with an animal. 

Letting them go is the greatest service we can give them, and I hope that once she becomes uncomfortable/unhappy you will take her back to the vet to do the necessary

Unfortunately it is not uncommon for hens to develop tumours, and some breeds are more susceptible than others.

[Kate and her Ducks]

It really sounds like the kindest thing would be to help her. She sounds very poorly and I am surprised that your vet did not offer to put her down with an inoperable tumour. It is a horrible situation and awful to lose a loved pet but it can also be a kindness and the final act of love we owe them.

I hope she doesn't suffer long.

[andreadon]

we did put Mary down when she had her gut problems.

I just can't do it with Jessica - she's still herself.

she's acting like a subdued normal chicken - she's not asleep all the time like Sandra was; she's wandering round exploring like she does. I can't see that putting her down is a service at the moment.
when she starts being properly poorly so that she can't stand by herself or eat or drink anything, then i'll think again, but at the moment she doesn't look unhappy.

i just can't do it.

[Kate and her Ducks]

I'm really sorry but I disagree. Jessica has been unwell for weeks and as we know poulty hide illness very well as a survival instinct. When they look a little ill, they are very ill. She has an inoperable and incurable problem which is only going to get worse and cause gradual but progressive suffering.

I am sorry if I seem harsh and it is clear how much you care about her but I thi k her suffering has to be more important than your own. 

[Aunt Sally]

she's acting like a subdued normal chicken -

Which in chicken talk means "in pain".

Be kind to her rather than to yourself and have her put to sleep

when she starts being properly poorly so that she can't stand by herself or eat or drink anything,

Which means "in agony".

Please don't put human values onto a chicken.  She IS suffering now, please don't allow her pain to become horrific before you do the best thing for her !

[Jeanette]

I always think if you love them then let them go. It would be the best thing that you can do for her. Sorry

[joyfull]

I am sorry that she is ill however she cannot tell you that she is in pain but being subdued is a sign that she is. I'm not meaning to be nasty here but we should all have the chickens welfare at heart and no matter how much it will hurt you to either do the deed or get the vet to do it she really needs it doing now rather than later 
This is the kindest and most loving thing you can do for her.

[andreadon]

i can't.
she's my favourite.

i don't want her to die and i don't want her to be killed.

[andreadon]

 

[Jemimapuddleduck]

I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved pet, but everyone is right, it is the kindest thing to have her gently put to sleep.  She is suffering at the moment and the pain is only going to worsen.  Take her back to the vet and let her drift away peacefully rather than struggle in pain. xx

[Aunt Sally]

i can't.
she's my favourite.

i don't want her to die and i don't want her to be killed.

You should be ashamed of yourself.  You sound like a selfish child 

[andreadon]

i can't.
she's my favourite.

i don't want her to die and i don't want her to be killed.

You should be ashamed of yourself.  You sound like a selfish child 

i do, don't i?
i just can't stand the idea of having to kill an animal.
any animal.


it's really tearing me up.
I'll have to talk to the vet.

[scabs]

You just need to ask yourself a simple question: do you want to her to pass now without further suffering or would you prefer her suffering to increase and then die?

It's a no-brainer for me, but please do act fast and do the right thing, regardless of how bad you might feel.

[Aunt Sally]

You have to get a grip Andrea.

It's the chicken that is suffering not you.

Take her to the vets and do the right thing.

You can cry buckets afterwards.  

If you can't do this for her you should seriously consider not keeping animals.