Prepare For Chicken Death & End Of Life Decisions-Yes Chickens!

5 Ways to Prepare for Chicken Illness, Injury, Death & End of Life Decisions

Sunday, June 16, 2013  119 comments

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by Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick

Most of us spend a great deal of time preparing for the arrival of our first chickens, but few of us give much thought to how we would handle serious injuries, illnesses and end-of-life decisions until they are upon us. My recent experience with a dying chicken made me realize that I could have been better prepared to handle certain aspects of her fatal illness, which make an already difficult time, more stressful. My hope is that by sharing my experience that you will be prepared to face the toughest part of chicken-keeping when the time comes.

Esther was one of my oldest chickens and she came to me as a day old chick with scissor beak. She managed very well in spite of her disability. At the end of last month, she became less active than normal and within a few days, I noticed abnormal poop on the droppings board underneath her spot on the roost. I brought her into the house for closer observation and noticed that she was not eating or drinking, so I began dropper-feeding her water withvitamins & electrolytes. Her condition did not improve and I decided she needed to be seen by a veterinarian.

Esther in foreground.

These droppings are abnormal, the dark green indicates she has not been eating and the
vast amount of white (urates) indicates organ failure. 

When I began my search for an avian veterinarian, it was Friday leading into Memorial Day weekend and I found myself scrambling to find a trained, experienced, avian veterinarian to see her. While I ultimately found an avian vet in town, it was difficult to get Esther seen as we were not established patients. Once I got past the receptionist, the avian vet was happy to see Esther. Her preliminary findings were that Esther had a tumor that was causing fluid to build up in her abdomen, a condition she said was common for older birds like Esther (at the ripe ol' age of four, she is considered "older"). The vet and I concluded that putting Esther to sleep immediately was the kindest choice possible for her as she was most certainly in a great deal of pain. I made arrangements for Esther's remains to be transported to the state poultry pathology lab where a postmortem examination (necropsy) was performed, which confirmed the vet's diagnosis. (see report, below)

 Here are five ways to be prepared for illness, injury, disesase and death of one of your chickens:

1. Have a well-stocked first aid kit & infirmary set up ready
Many injured and sick birds can be cared for by the average backyard chicken-keeper at least until professional veterinary care can be obtained. Having some first aid essentials such as vitamins & electrolytes, a dropper or syringe, Vetrap and Vetericyn Wound Care spray, on-hand is critical to being able to deliver emergency medical aid and may mean the difference between life and death.

Having a dedicated crate or special location to keep a sick or injured bird is important so that they can be closely observed during their crisis.

dog carriers serve as excellent, temporary infirmaries for sick or injured birds

2. Find an avian veterinarian in your area before you need one
Find an avian veterinarian nearby before there is an emergency and keep their phone number in your chicken first aid kit. This vet will likely not be the same vet that already treats your other animals. A visit to the office to introduce yourself to the staff can be the difference between being seen during a crisis and being told the vet has no time to examine your bird. Have a backup plan. Find out who covers for that vet when they are on vacation and keep their number handy too.

There is a list of board certified avian vets here--> http://www.aav.org/search/index.php

3. Have a euthanasia plan

There will inevitably come a time in every flock when a sick or injured bird will need to be euthanized. Some people are capable of euthanizing their own bird by a variety of humane methods. Learn which methods are available and whether you are capable of following through with one when the need arises. 

Some people are more comfortable having a professional euthanize their chickens. Most vets, even if they do not ordinarily treat chickens, will euthanize a sick or injured bird. Inquire of your dog/cat/goat/horse 's vet whether this is a service they would be willing to render, but do so in advance of needing these services if possible.

4. Locate your state veterinary diagnostic laboratory & get a necropsy done
Each state has a veterinary lab that will run tests and perform postmortem examinations on animals to determine the cause of death. Know where your lab is, how to contact them and which services they offer.  If a bird dies unexpectedly, it is extremely important to get a necropsy done to determine the cause of death. Some illnesses and diseases are contagious and the rest of the flock may be at risk. A determination of the cause of death can provide some peace of mind.

If you will be transporting a deceased bird to the lab yourself, it is critical to get her there as soon as possible after the time of death and that the body is stored properly until then. It should be placed inside two plastic bags, sealed and kept under refrigeration (not frozen) until it can be delivered to the lab. Some labs will send a courier to pick up the remains.

In Esther's case, my avian vet was unaware that our state diagnostic lab would transport Esther to their facility, euthanize her and perform the necropsy- all free of charge. I was aware that they offered these services, so I was able to share that information with my vet and make the necropsy arrangements for Esther myself.  Since Esther was in pain, I didn't want her to wait until the next morning to be put to sleep- I asked the vet to draw blood for the lab, (at their request) euthanize her and store her remains until the courier picked her up the next morning.

5. Request a copy of the Necropsy Report
While the lab will send a report to the veterinarian automatically, I think it's important to request a copy to learn what they found and keep it on file as part of your flock's health history. I have medical training and experience, so I understood the report, but if you do not, discuss the necropsy report with your vet and let them know if you do not understand the terminology they are using.

While I was making Esther's transportation arrangements, I asked the lab to send me the necropsy report, but they forgot. I followed-up with them several weeks after the necropsy and they gladly emailed it to me. As you can see from the report, she had ovarian cancer. The tumor was enormous and the cancer had spread throughout her other organs. Poor girl. I was thankful to have had access to the services of a knowledgeable vet who was able to put her to sleep peacefully.