Of course a softie like you should have chickens! Or any other animal you wish. You're the kind of person who will take good care of them. You deserve the very best!
You certainly have tried. Think of it this way, most chickens don't live all that long anyway, and these guys are probably not going to survive this winter. The kids might as well get used to it. And a quick end is better than being carried off by a wild animal of some kind and eaten, dead or alive.
There is a well known saying among animal people, that "if you have livestock you will also have deadstock". I guess just be grateful you don't have sick buffalos or elephants or something. Hard to dig a hole this time of year. I had a pony die in January one time when things were froze up hard, we had a hard time getting rid of it.
Chickens you can put in a black bag and out with the trash. Not supposed to, but you can. They don't decompose in the compost this time of year, at least not fast enough, the dogs will go dig them up.
Mc Murray hatchery has all their chicks online ready to order for various dates, and now is the time. They have baby chick videos on their website too. By March they'll be sold out for the year on most of them. Ideal is also taking orders, and there are a string of others. And you can get them through your feed store. Baby chicks are sooo adorable!
Or you can get them half grown, or all ready to lay!
Sometimes you just have to cut your losses, and start over. Lot of people having to put old dogs to sleep lately. The winter is hard on them too, all the ailments act up and create severe misery. And everybody feels so bad about it.
We have 3 dogs, nice ones, but I talked with my husband. If they come up with any multi-thousand dollar problems, that's going to have to be it. I simply can't afford to put that kind of money into a dog. Looks like you've been putting a lot of money into those sick chickens. You might consider whether they're really worth it, for an animal with a short term lifespan. Not going to be a member of your family for 20 years.
Just some thoughts. I know it's hard. And it's your decision, not mine or anybody elses. So do what you are comfortable with, what you can live with. I think it was J. P. Morgan talking about the stock market said "sell down until you can sleep at night". You do the same. Do whatever lets you sleep at night.
And don't be afraid to call your friend for help. I've done that before a couple of times when a rooster hurt my hand fairly bad. She was glad to take care of his problem, and I had a nice time talking with her. There aren't that many people around to really talk chicken with!
Best wishes,
Diane S.
----- Original Message -----From: Kristen LanglaisSent: Saturday, January 11, 2014 9:50 PMSubject: [CHICKENS-101] Re: Crop Problem - advice please
You're probably the 100th person to tell me this!
It's hard when you've had them for so long, you know? And my kids are very attached to 4 of them. I tried to explain about these sicknesses and how unfair it is for the birds to be sick and out in cold weather. But alas, my 6 9 yo girls are quite sensitive...
If I do it, I will give that coop and myself a long break from chickens! I know I've been dealing w/ contamination and the cycle just continues.
How would you put them down, Cathryn? If I ever have a sick bird that's declining and looks like there's no hope because the meds aren't working, I have my husband use his bird gun to do it while they're out pecking around. He assures me it's quick and painless but I never have the heart to watch. My friend offered to break their neck and quickly cut it, but that's just too much for me to handle. I'm in tears now just writing this. A softie like me shouldn't have chickens. At least w/ big animals, you call the vet and she uses the needle.
:( Kristen
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