Best humane way to cull my chicken?

[Painted Calls]

I also use a .22. It's quick and does the job effectively.

I swaddle mine snugly in an old towel (or cloth diaper in my case) and secure with binder clips. Like this:

(No birds were harmed in the making of this chicken burrito. Just needed a weight for meds.)

I talk to them and lay them on the ground. Hold the barrel right above their head and talk to them as I squeeze the trigger.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Big hugs.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Check out this article for a really good discussion about euthanasia (when not intending on eating the bird): https://the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr/

 

[Mrs. K]

A cone IS a good way to do it. I have used banded razor blades, but I bleed mine out. The thing about the cone, is the bird tends to sit in there if it is big enough, and while they will flap it is more contained.

 

[Abriana]

I use Ether fluid, it puts them right to sleep. Place them inside an airtight container or plastic bag and put a towel soaked in the fluid inside. They will fall asleep and their heart will stop beating soon after. I left my hen inside the bag overnight as I did not want to bury her and then have her wake up. I made sure she was definitely gone before burying (she was stiff). I kept my hand on her the whole time so that she could feel me, it was very peaceful for us both and while I was extremely sad that she had to die it did not leave me unusually upset or feeling guilty. I’ve never had to cull except that one time, but I’ll always use this method.

 

[WallacetheKhakiCampbell]

I also use a .22. It's quick and does the job effectively.

I swaddle mine snugly in an old towel (or cloth diaper in my case) and secure with binder clips. Like this:
View attachment 2451170

I talk to them and lay them on the ground. Hold the barrel right above their head and talk to them as I squeeze the trigger.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Big hugs.

Thank you so much!

 

[WallacetheKhakiCampbell]

I use Ether fluid, it puts them right to sleep. Place them inside an airtight container or plastic bag and put a towel soaked in the fluid inside. They will fall asleep and their heart will stop beating soon after. I left my hen inside the bag overnight as I did not want to bury her and then have her wake up. I made sure she was definitely gone before burying (she was stiff). I kept my hand on her the whole time so that she could feel me, it was very peaceful for us both and while I was extremely sad that she had to die it did not leave me unusually upset or feeling guilty. I’ve never had to cull except that one time, but I’ll always use this method.

Thank you! I will look into this.

 

[Purple_grape84]

Take its head off as quick as possible or let it bleed out.

The cervical dislocation can be difficult if you don't commit. I tried this and the bird started kicking again 5 mins later.

I don't want to be dramatic, but cutting the throat or beheading are for sure.

 

[aart]

If I'm not going to eat a bird I don't bother bleeding it.
Broomstick works for me.

Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,
Click the 'Watch this video on YouTube'

it's the only CD video I've found that doesn't remove the head.

-Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.

-Notice that she slowly stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull, this is key to success IMO.

I've found this technique to be very effective.

 

[WallacetheKhakiCampbell]

If I'm not going to eat a bird I don't bother bleeding it.
Broomstick works for me.

Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,
Click the 'Watch this video on YouTube'

it's the only CD video I've found that doesn't remove the head.

-Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.

-Notice that she slowly stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull, this is key to success IMO.

I've found this technique to be very effective.

Thank you!

 

[Ridgerunner]

In my opinion here is no one way that is best for everyone. I believe the best way is the way you can. What I mean by that is you want to be quick and sure. You do not want to injure the bird or yourself by flinching or closing your eyes at the wrong time. You don't want to endanger yourself or others. Property damage should be held to a minimum.

There are variations or "tricks" for each general method. I use the hatchet and stump method, it's what I grew up with and I'm comfortable I can do it. I drive two large nails into the stump to form a Vee so I can gently stretch the neck and hold it in place. And I cut into the grain of the wood so the blade sinks in instead of bouncing off.

I don't use a .22. If I did I'd probably bind up the chicken as shown above and use a shell loaded with birdshot instead of a solid slug. You are more likely to get a clean kill, plus (important to me) you are less likely to injure something down range of from a ricochet. When I shoot certain "wildlife" my preference when I can is to use my 12 gauge instead of my .22 because of what may be downrange.

I have not used the broomstick method so no comments there. I don't use the cone either but it's probably the most used method on this forum. There are all kinds of variations on that, from using something to slice the throat to maybe using loppers or pruning shears to take the head off. Some people don't use a cone but hang the chicken by the legs.

If you are doing a mercy killing of a young chick you may be OK with scissors or some type of shears.

Of course there are several other methods used. With some you do it by yourself, some may be easier with a helper. I wish you luck whichever method you use.