A Family Guide To Keeping Chickens (58 page)

Like any animals chickens can die suddenly. A bad shock could cause a chicken to have a heart attack or an inherent weakness may result in an untimely demise. ‘Chickens just die, there’s no point in getting upset about it,’ I was told when pondering my first fatality.

Guilt is a natural reaction to loss, even if you are entirely blameless. Still, a little guilt can be useful if it prevents further casualties. Think about your chicken care routines. Is there anything that could have allowed a bird to become sick – such as a stressful situation or an attack of parasites?

Regularly checking your chickens will help identify potential problems – otherwise an unexpected death may be the first indication that something is wrong.

Losses suffered from predators are particularly distressing because this is often due to human error – forgetting to shut up the birds, ignoring that loose catch on the door, etc. All you can do is learn from the mistake and take prompt action to secure any remaining chickens before the predator returns.

Calling it a Day

When a chicken is unwell, some difficult decisions may be necessary. If the flock is required to be cost effective, a sick or unproductive bird will usually be despatched.

Chickens kept as family pets are usually treated more leniently – although not always as fairly. If a hen becomes ill, a swift end is better than allowing her to suffer in the hope she may recover.

The other option is veterinary treatment. Even so, there may come a point when cost and stress to the bird make further intervention undesirable. The vet will help with this decision and euthanasia can be administered by injection.

Poultry keepers are always advised to learn to kill a chicken in case of emergency. If the thought makes you shudder, you should be prepared to phone an expert friend or call the vet.

Disposing of the Body

People often suggest eating a chicken that has died – it always surprises me. The meat could be contaminated by disease, and with our highly regulated meat industry it doesn’t make sense to risk the family’s health to save a few pounds at the butcher’s.

If a chicken has been euthanized by the vet, it must not be eaten by either humans or animals. Birds that have been killed by predators are usually mangled and infection may have been introduced from teeth and saliva.

So what should you do with the sad little bundle of feathers?

Technically you should dispose of it in accordance with the current DEFRA guidelines. All dead poultry (there is no distinction between pet and farm chickens) should be incinerated at a registered premises. DEFRA or your local council can provide details of these, or your local hunt may have an approved incinerator and be prepared to help for a small charge.

For the small-scale poultry keeper the vet is often the only viable legal option when disposing of dead chickens, and charges vary. Many people bury their dead birds but, apart from being contrary to the law, buried chickens may attract predators. Foxes can sniff out food as much as 45 cm below ground. Finding the grave destroyed by a fox will be distressing – and now he knows where to come for dinner, he’ll be back for more.

Try to give your chickens the best possible life

How Long Do Chickens Live?

If fortunate enough to avoid predators and illness, a chicken’s lifespan may be around eight to ten years. This depends very much on the breed – some might go on longer, while others will be in decline after three or four years. Bantams are generally thought to be the longest lived, while pure-breeds often live longer than hybrids.

Well cared for chickens have the best chance of a long life but no matter how attentive you are, the time will come when the inevitable has to be faced.

Losing a Pet

Chickens are often kept as pets and even those bought solely to provide eggs can quickly endear themselves to a family. It is sad to lose a bird you have known and tended, and some owners find it very distressing. ‘Only a chicken’ doesn’t apply to a hen who had a name, sat on your lap and came into the kitchen for her breakfast. She had a character and was loved – her loss will be mourned.

For many children losing a pet is often their first experience of death and they should be encouraged to talk about their feelings. Holding a small ‘funeral’ is often helpful; a celebration of life can ease the pain of loss.

Hens can become much-loved pets