I think it all comes down to attachment for most people. I can kill any "wild" animal. I can kill anything that is in the process of trying to injure something of mine (an opossum in my chicken house, a dog running my horses). Pets...I have had to, but it REALLY hurts. We had a litter of 10 Aussie puppies. 2 died early. At 8 1/2 weeks old we found out that one had a mortal heart condition and the verdict was maybe 6 months with pain. We rounded all of the puppies up and went to the vet. All but one had to be euthanized. It killed my family, it killed the veterinary Drs. and staff.
So...Don't think of those you are planning to eat as pets or family. I have only gotten close to 2 of my 24 chicks. so far. I know I can only keep 8-10 (maybe a few more if there is a greater proportion of bantams). I know I am going to keep those 2...I haven't made a decision on the others. I will wait to make certain which breeds they are and their sex,
That doesn't mean I don't play with them all...just more attention to those 2nd an affectation for them..
So...Don't think of those you are planning to eat as pets or family. I have only gotten close to 2 of my 24 chicks. so far. I know I can only keep 8-10 (maybe a few more if there is a greater proportion of bantams). I know I am going to keep those 2...I haven't made a decision on the others. I will wait to make certain which breeds they are and their sex,
That doesn't mean I don't play with them all...just more attention to those 2nd an affectation for them..