Sensitive subject

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:07 am

Yes, we did use th helium as the article suggested. I was very hesitant to do this, but opted for it because it was more readily aviable and earing to use.

It still makes me sad to think I had to do this. It is not something that was done lightly and hopefully never again.

beccafigs · Post by **beccafigs** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 10:27 am

I'm glad that article was helpful, and that when it had to be done it was quick and humane. I hope I never have to face that choice, but I hope that I will do the right thing for the bird if I am ever presented with it.

Post by **Hilary** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:16 am

Another option, of course, is always to bring the bird to a vet, though the one time I had to do it I was amazed by how expensive it was.

Thanks for the link - it's good to know there are other humane options.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:19 pm

dfcauley....I am so sorry for what you had to go through....even though you knew it was the best thing for your bird...it is always so hard to make that decision to end a pets life.

My daughter tells me stories about how difficult is is for her patients owners to make a decision to put down their pet that is very sick or unjured. They always try to ask the Vet "what should I do"? And any Vet cannot recommend putting an animal down....it MUST be the pet owners own decision.

The Vet can give them choices as to what can be done when an animal must be put down but they can NEVER say "You need to have your pet put down". The owners always have a hard time being the one to make the actual decision but it must be done. It is part of the process of being a pet owner.

My daughter tells me it is very hard for her in these situations when she knows the pet will not survive with or without surgery. All she can do is show compassion and understanding for the patient and owner and gently guide them to make their own decision.

Again I am sorry you had to lose your little birdie but I sounded like it was really the only and kindest option for him.

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:06 pm

FeatherHart...... thank you for those kind words. I think each person has to do what is best for them to live with.
I read sooooo much about it and it took me a while to come to this decision. I know it was just a little bird, but it is still very hard.
And then I go and read articles that tell of little birds living for years that cannot perch etc...
But for me I think this was best. I do not regret this decision I made, but cannot help but wonder could it have had a life as it was.

Post by **Sally** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:36 am

I read on other forums of people struggling to save a finch, and more often than not, they lose the finch anyway, after all that. With very young birds especially, it seems like they don't often overcome problems they have. You did the right thing.

williep · Post by **williep** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:06 am

I think we've all been through this sort of thing before, if you haven't you probably will have to some day. It remains a sad choice to make but at the end of the day it better not to let the bird suffer.

Just a note on the link posted by beccafigs of the gas chamber, it will only work with helium as it is less dense than air (the holes in the bottom that the oxygen escapes through. If another gas is used (like CO2), which is denser than air, the chamber should be changed/modified otherwise the bird might suffer even more.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:25 am

willie is right, to use CO2 the holes have to be in the top for the oxygen to escape

Post by **Hilary** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:11 am

Bottom line as I see it is quality of life. I have a bird with deformed feet who can't perch, but he can fly and with modified perches does fine. I also have a one-legged bird who copes incredibly well. But if the bird is NOT going to be able to cope, and really is just going to suffer for as long as it can hang on, ending that really is the only option. It takes courage to take that step, but as Featherharp pointed out that's part of being responsible for these little guys. Sigh.