Advice on culling to creating good, strong breeding stock. Am I a monster?

[Hannahnic14]

I am one of the people (made my ethics class far harder than it should have been) that almost always weighs the one against the many. What is best for survival of the group as a whole? While most chickens here don't have to worry about growing too old to find enough feed or being too (something) to do (something else), illness unfortunately isn't quite as simple. Especially if it's something that can be passed down. It might just be something like weaker lungs or small nostrils (I had a pullet we culled that ended up with having a heart that was super small for her size), but if it is something that can get passed down, you might deal with it more if you grow chicks from these males.

Yea I definitely don't want to pass along wesk genes. We want the strongest birds possible. I have a polish hen that is a slight crossbeak, am I going to cull her for that? Absolutely not! But I'm not going to hatch any of her eggs and if she begins to not have a good quality of life, then we will visit that decision.

 

[raingarden]

With both birds and fish, the individuals that I spend a lot of time on nursing back to health will almost invariably get sick again at a later date . It is like the underlying reason why they got sick in the first place is still there. These days, I'm a ruthless bastard and put them down if they need much more than a little time to get better

 

[U_Stormcrow]

"When the need arises - and it does - you must be able to shoot your own dog. Don't farm it out - that doesn't make it nicer, it makes it worse." - Robert A. Heinlein

Same with your chickens. Cull them. You are not a monster.

If you can get them lab'd to ID the 'cause, its worth it - particularly right now in your area of the Country. If you have to start over, better to know now.

Close your flock, breed what you want to eat, and eat what underperforms. I'm not familiar with TN's NPIP costs (non-State web sites calim its free, that its $25, that the card is $25, that its "inexpensive", etc - but I'm not seeing a price on the state web page), but here in FL its free - so it was no brainer to get my flock tested twice a year for a few things. When the flock size gets small enough, consider bringing in desired genetics as shipped chicks from a reputable hatchery - understanding that you are only going to breed the best of them, and eat the rest too.

and so you know my money is where my mouth is... my culling project.

Even if you have no plan to sell eggs/poultry, you should be familiar with your State's Guidance (I recommend aactually reading the Statues if you decide to go that route, not kust the slick handout/summary). Your local lab.

 

[3KillerBs]

I’d get some testing to see what illnesses are present. You’ve already consulted with professionals, so ask them to do the tests. Or, BEFORE you cull the sick rooster(s), call state necropsy lab to find out how to send in, or their recommendation. I say cull after that because there is likely a window of time for them to receive a carcass, and likely needs to be shipped/dropped off a certain way.

I think that this is important if you can manage to do it.

If you ever intend to sell chicks/birds you need to know what this disease is so that you are not the cause of someone else's flock being infected.

 

[Hannahnic14]

I think that this is important if you can manage to do it.

If you ever intend to sell chicks/birds you need to know what this disease is so that you are not the cause of someone else's flock being infected.

Yes, I definitely will not let any birds leave my property until I know exactly what's going on.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Yes, I definitely will not let any birds leave my property until I know exactly what's going on.

That is downright neighborly, and right responsible of you.

 

[theoldchick]

No, you are not a monster. I'd cull the roosters and send one to the state lab to determine exactly what you are dealing with. Since you are not in the business of treating sick animals (though, at times, we all deal with sick/injured farm animals) you must determine a method of euthanasia that is suitable for you. Some people shoot, some people cut off the head, some people use a killing cone, and some folks take their animal to a vet. There is nothing wrong with disliking the act of killing animal. Yes, you can desensitize yourself to the act, but always be respectful to the animal. As a kid, I lived on a reservation and I remember how the Native Americans thanked the animal for it's sacrifice before killing it. Death was quick and nothing was wasted. Since you are homesteading, you really can't afford to spend the time and effort with sick animals. You must choose your breeding stock from the best animals you have. And though some must die, find the method that suits you, and build from there. This old gal has euthanized many, many family pets over the years as a veterinary nurse, and was never afraid to shed a tear along with the owner. Nobody likes to kill (at least the sane people don't) but it is a necessary part of farm life. My advice is to do it quickly and respectfully.

 

[picklestheduck]

Could you try to re-home them? Like there are chickens rescues some places. I have no clue if there is one by you or if its an option, its just an idea. On second thought, if they are suffering too badly, the right thing to do would be to cull them. I don't know a whole ton about this topic, and just spit out a random idea. Please do not take this as hurtful, I don't mean it in that way. I think its so amazing that you care and want to do the right thing! I've seen some bad situations people don't treat or care for, you are certainly doing the right thing.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Could you try to re-home them? Like there are chickens rescues some places. I have no clue if there is one by you or if its an option, its just an idea. On second thought, if they are suffering too badly, the right thing to do would be to cull them. I don't know a whole ton about this topic, and just spit out a random idea. Please do not take this as hurtful, I don't mean it in that way. I think its so amazing that you care and want to do the right thing! I've seen some bad situations people don't treat or care for, you are certainly doing the right thing.

If these birds are sick, it would be irresponsible to remove them

 

[Hannahnic14]

Could you try to re-home them? Like there are chickens rescues some places. I have no clue if there is one by you or if its an option, its just an idea. On second thought, if they are suffering too badly, the right thing to do would be to cull them. I don't know a whole ton about this topic, and just spit out a random idea. Please do not take this as hurtful, I don't mean it in that way. I think its so amazing that you care and want to do the right thing! I've seen some bad situations people don't treat or care for, you are certainly doing the right thing.

I really appreciate your input! But I couldn't rehome a sick animal. They aren't suffering, they just aren't well. I am definitely trying my best to do the right thing by my flock!