Did you pull the skin tight before making the cut? I ask because I didn't know to do that and botched my first kill. Your knife will just slip around on loose skin if you don't.
To avoid the after tremors and wingflaps I tape their wings to their body and they bleed out just fine.
I also hang them from a fence and lower their head into a plastic lined trash can to catch the blood.
Do you let it rest for 2 days then brine for 2 more days? Can't seem to find the answer to that one. Would you freeze it after resting and brining or only brine (for how long) it when you're ready to roast it? Hope that's clear..:)
Well then let it come..........If you sense suffering then by all means end her life, but if she's just getting on with aging, let her get on with it. Put your boy in charge of making her life comfortable as she ages, it might come in handy for you later ;)
Have to agree with JJP "Sometimes...
Sally, I dispatch quail with kitchen shears over a bag in the sink. I skin rather than pluck as it's faster for me. They bleed out really fast and you just have to hold them over the bag actually just a few seconds.