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Probably the less cruel thing is to put her down.
It sometimes is, although sometimes you can do miracles on younger animals.
Someone gave me an older chicken the other week, it was clearly genetically unsound to begin with (too many toes) and couldn't walk anymore. I made it into soup quickly. It just makes more sense for everyone involved to keep a healthy and robust flock. If we humans don't get involved with that ourselves the buzzards will.
I've been thinking this for days. I've just kept out of the discussion, because I don't want to get OP down. But TBH it sounds like this chick is going that way already, maybe not prolonging the suffering is the most ethical choice?
I'm the biggest softie myself. I'm the one who has to save the last wonky chick in the incubator, and my wife is always after me for doing it. I have to admit these things, because otherwise I'd feel hypocritical. Culling this chick seems like the most humane thing to do.
Yeah, the hobbles are supposed to go below the ankle. I've never done it, but there's plenty of instructions for it. That's the term to use to search, as a sling is a different thing afaik.
Thanks.
This is similar to the sling thing that I saw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43w52xkXP4w
I've seen similar slings done online. Seems like it should work as well as hobbles do, if with a bit more work on the human end, what with the extra feeding and watering needs.
this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2026
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Backyard Chickens (and Other Birds)
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This is a community for people who keep chickens in their back yard. This includes pets, layers, and meaties at levels that are sub-industrial. Family farms and homesteads are included.
EDIT
The Fediverse is small. There probably aren't enough people here to make up a community for every type of bird that someone might keep so for now, everyone is welcome. Bring us your ducks and geese, turkeys and quail, Guineas and Peacocks, emus and parrots. The community will be focused on chickens but until there are enough of each bird community for their own community they will find care and comfort here.
/EDIT
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