Feeling horrid ...

Just been out and bought three lovely PoL chucks. One brown, one black and one cream. They've settled in very well already and are currently sunbathing in a patch of straw.

They are literally lying on their sides with their wings stretched out. I nearly had a heart attack as I thought they'd all died

It's a good job you don't live with me Anya you'd definately have necked me by now!

Don't a lot of you have chickens? I get mine from the shop.

Done this several times, but don't think it ever gets easier. The way the rest of them run away from me for a couple of days after is the worst. The cry seems to go up "the executioner is here girls, run!!!'

My neighbour has only one hen left (on her own for about 2 years) and 5 weeks ago we thought she was going to have to do the same as you Anya. The hen is old, has very poor eyesight and sometimes appears senile. She sat in her house for 4 weeks her legs not seeming to work, pecking at a bit of food and head turned towards her back. She talked to us when we went in and we couldn't bring ourselves to do 'the deed'. Last weekend she was walking round the garden as if nothing had happened and has laid 3 eggs this week. Truly an amazing old bird. We are not sure how old she is but must be pretty old now for a hen. We love her to bits !

The right thing, a skilful thing, a resourceful thing, a sensible thing and a brave thing – and feeling horrid is a damn sight better than being indifferent or actually enjoying it!

Both brave and kind Anya - our neighbour had to do the same with a few bunnies with the dreaded miximatosis (spelling ???) ???

It was by far the kindest thing you could have done. You couldn't have seen her suffer but it must have been upsetting for you. Well done, you're a brave lady.

Big hugs Anya. Feel for you, sounds very difficult but clearly a very humane and kindest thing and am full of admiration that you were able.

Thank you for all your kind posts. I'm feeling a bit better now, but you are all right - it had to be done. Poor DH can't bring himself to do it as he's afraid of not doing it quickly and humanely.

You did the right thing Anya. We're responsible for our animals and shouldn't let them suffer.
Having said that I've never killed a chicken, my husband does it. So I think you were very brave!

Anya I can imagine it was hard but it was the kindest thing.

It's horrid indeed- but however awful, you just know it's for the best- much better than to have them suffer. I remember finding one of our favourite hens lying on the lawn, with a head half severed due to the Jack Russel next door having got to her somehow. she looked at me all the time as I got a spade and just had to do what had to be done. I have many times despatched baby birds which clearly would not make it after falling or being taken from the nest- just has to be done. But yes, horrid so I know how you feel.

I think you're very brave. I always make DH do it.

I know how you feel Anya but if she was an old chicken at least she'd lived out her life and not culled before her time.

You did the right thing, anya. Of course you didn't like doing it but it was the kindest thing to do.

I am sure that it was a very quick end for the chicken and the right thing to do for her , better than letting her fit and linger on . I am sure any of us would feel a bit `bad` but it was a humane end as it was instant . xx