FINCHforum

I know this is a sensitive subject and I hate to be the one to bring it up, but does anyone have any information on euthanizing finches? I did a search and found nothing.
I have had two finches to suffer quite a bit before dying and did not know how to help them.
I just want to be prepared if it happens again.

Strange that you should mention that subject as I was just talking about euthanizing animals with my Vet daughter a couple weeks ago.

It IS a tough subject to talk about but is a necessary part when raising any animal....cows....horses....chickens.

I did find this website that talks about culling canaries and lists various methods to use and NOT use....you might find it interesting. It did mention one preferred method that I partially copied and pasted for you.

Culling Methods For Birds

Recommended Methods
(AVMA Guidelines)

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is recommended by most animal rights activist groups and used by human societies around the world. CO2 is inexpensive but you have to make or buy a Euthanasia Chamber and have a way to fill the chamber with the gas. Other advantages: The rapid depressant, analgesic, and anesthetic effects of CO2 are well established. Carbon dioxide is readily available and can be purchased in compressed gas cylinders. Carbon dioxide is inexpensive, nonflammable, nonexplosive, and poses minimal hazard to personnel when used with properly designed equipment. This gas causes very little distress to the birds. A CO2 concentration of 60% to 70% with a 5-minute exposure time appears to be optimal. This method is recommended provided that the gas comes from a pressurized cylinder and not a chemical reaction or internal combustion engine exhaust.

Thanks for your response. I wish I had a family member who was a vet. I would just let them do this. I am not sure it is something that I am going to be able to do.

I have a little fledging that I think this is the answer for him. He cannot walk on his legs and only scoots around. It is heartbreaking!

I'm so sorry that you have to watch the poor baby. I know it's not an easy choice. Just keep in mind that if you chose to euthanise the little guy that it will be peaceful. CO2 will allow them to fall asleep without pain.

You're a good parent for caring enough to think of the babys best interest.

Have you done this before and how did you do it?

I read that I have to get a machine. And where do you buy co2?

There was a discussion on this subject on another forum, and it seemed like there weren't any good ways to go about this. I, too, wish I could find an easy way to do this, one that I could deal with. Most of my birds that died did so very quickly, puffed up in the morning and gone by evening, but it would be good to have an option when you feel they are suffering.

I haven't tried this myself, but if you need a cheap and small amount of CO2 you can buy it from any paintball shop, some paintball guns use CO2 to propel the paintballs. I Know you also get a value so you can control the amount of gas that is being emitted.

I remembered that I've read something on this before. Here it is:

Culling

Perhaps that will be helpful to you. Good luck.

yes, I had read that article. I am afraid of this that it won't be quick enough. The sweet little bird is still with me. It sits on the newspaper I have put in the bottom of the cage all day. It doesn't make much noise and is not eating at all on its own. mom is feeding it.

We will see......

beccafigs.....thanks for that link....I found it very well written..sensitive & informative. It addresses a tough issue very thoughtfully.

Yes it was a good article. I was wondering about the use of helium.

The previous article said to use either carton dioxide or carbon monoxide.
Are these the same as helium?

No.....helium is nothing like CO2....unless you want to get your birds so high that they have no idea what the heck is goin on. That might actually be somewhat amusing....imagine the squeak that would come out of those birds....

lyderbug wrote:No.....helium is nothing like CO2....unless you want to get your birds so high that they have no idea what the heck is goin on. That might actually be somewhat amusing....imagine the squeak that would come out of those birds....

So..... do you recommend not using the helium?

The article suggested using this.

Just to let everyone know that we have done it. Or should I say that my sweet husband did it for me.
We followed that instruction on the link . .. (Thanks for sending it Beccafigs)....
According to my husband since I was afraid to look the whole process took less than 30 seconds and it was a very humane thing for the little bird.

Thank you for all who have given input on this matter and helped me to get the courage to do the right thing for this little baby.

Hopefully it will help someone else who faces this.

So sorry your little bird didn't make it, but I am so glad you brought up this subject. It is something we all may face some day. Did you use helium? I will print out that culling article and keep it in my finch file.