is still a big problem for me. About one week ago we had a goose that couldn’t stand up and walk well. She kept tipping forward. I moved her into the chicken pen and placed food, water and hay in front of her. Each day she would move away, and I would have to reposition her nutrients. This morning I found her caught behind the chicken food can gasping for air. So I called Tom to come put her down. I was going to stay and watch so I could learn how to do it in case Tom is not around sometime. But I was crying so hard Tom asked me to leave saying he not to worry, he would always be around. So I failed miserably in my lesson in Euthanasia. But the goose is out of her misery thanks to Tom.
P.S. The above photo is of the remaining geese and of hungry sheep eyes. Their hay feeding was slightly delayed by the goose killing.
P.P.S. Warning this is a rare double blog post day. Stay tuned for “Mean Birds”. I did not want to imply that this poor goose was a mean bird, because she wasn’t.
I’m there with you; I know is it sometimes necessary and the most merciful thing to do, but I.JUST.CAN’T. Rick is the go-to guy here. I have wondered what I would do if he WASN’T around; certainly after his heart attack that possibility is more real for me. May neither one of us ever have to find out….
I know you understand. I thought I would toughen up with time. I have some but not to this point yet anyway. If push came to shove, I hope I could do it.
I’m sorry about the loss of your goose. It’s hard. Marshall is the one around here that takes care of those things. It’s funny, years AND years ago, i was a vet tech, and used to occasionally have to put animals down (with the euthanasia solution and syringe), but there is no way I can do it now. I am much too soft hearted.
Jackie
Thanks Jackie. It’s funny how men get assigned to do these things. It is odd that you are getting wimpier about this. I thought I would get tougher with time, not wimpier.
There’s no way I could even WATCH somebody do it! I feel terrible but I just can’t even imagine killing anything bigger than a bug with my own hands.
Well, I can’t even kill bugs. So I am a complete wimp.
Unfortunately, after being in TX for 2 years and having our little mini farm (recently sold), I have become quite “hardened”. It isn’t easy but when push comes to shove, you’d be able to…sometimes life gives you the “have to” as opposed to the “want to”…what a crappy kind of pep talk (?)…
Thanks Tracey. I would hope if I have to I could. But it would be nice to know what I am doing. It is a good pep talk.
Sorry about your goose. They are amazing, arent they? Did the rest of the flock look for her? My hubby is the axe-man here. But most of the time I make myself stand there so at least he has moral support. Most of the “put downs” were friends so it was more emotional. But I dont have a problem with “meat” – I think I’m more hardened and crusty too. You’ll find your courage when you “have to.” btw, my hens are mean right now too. a couple just sit there and shriek at me…a couple act like they want to set nests but its just to early!
🙂
They are amazing creatures. The other geese did not look for her- maybe she didn’t have a regular mate. I tried to stand there, but Tom sent me away. At least it’s not just my chickens that are mean. I didn’t think I did anything to deserve it.