Best humane way to cull my chicken?

[humblehillsfarm]

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.

Well said.

 

[Sueby]

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.

That is a great idea, thank you for sharing! DH is most comfortable with the gun too & I think he'd like this idea.

 

[Painted Calls]

That is a great idea, thank you for sharing! DH is most comfortable with the gun too & I think he'd like this idea.

I find that it is the calmest, quickest, most humane way - for me and the birds.

You're welcome. ❤

 

[Sueby]

I find that it is the calmest, quickest, most humane way - for me and the birds.

You're welcome. ❤

DH is a big softie & has a hard time with this part of chicken keeping, but he is very comfortable with guns so in the end it is absolutely the most humane way he can do it - for him & the bird for sure. & your method of wrapping will make it so much better! Last time he had to do it the bird almost got away.

Sorry OP, I hope you can find a way you are comfortable. It's never a fun thing but is inevitably necessary.

 

[Painted Calls]

DH is a big softie & has a hard time with this part of chicken keeping, but he is very comfortable with guns so in the end it is absolutely the most humane way he can do it - for him & the bird for sure. & your method of wrapping will make it so much better! Last time he had to do it the bird almost got away.

Sorry OP, I hope you can find a way you are comfortable. It's never a fun thing but is inevitably necessary.

I didn’t specify earlier. When I wrap them and set them down, I set them at my feet. I stand behind them so I'm shooting straight down into the earth, but at a slight angle. I'm not shooting off into the nether, or at a moving target.

 

[jher77]

I drive two large nails into the stump to form a Vee so I can gently stretch the neck and hold it in place.

Can you provide a pic of this?

 

[Ridgerunner]

No, that is not available anymore. Take two nails maybe 5" or 6" long and drive them into the stump about 5/8" apart at the bottom and about 2" apart at the top. That works for a Midget White tom turkey or a fairly small pullet. Put it toward one side of the flat part of the stump so you have the rest of the stump to lay the chicken in.

 

[WallacetheKhakiCampbell]

T

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.

Thank you! This helps a lot!