Euthanasia Techniques

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It is highly recommended that all birds receive anti-anxiety and analgesia medications along with sedation prior to the actual agent used for euthanasia. The decision to euthanize the bird must be made with the owner. Most veterinarians will work with an owner to rehome a healthy bird that the owner requested euthanasia only because they can no longer keep it. Venous or intraosseous access may be difficult in very small birds. An intraosseous catheter placement is considered painful and is done as a procedure. The basilic vein is an easily accessible vein; however, it tends to be fragile and will cause a hematoma, and the exit from the vein must be held for several minutes following the solution administration. Small birds may have the euthanasia solution injection via the jugular vein after the bird is heavily sedated.