Broomstick method tips

[Squishychicken]

So tomorrow I will be putting down a chicken but id like to be able to do it myself so I want to try the broomstick method. I have watched videos and get the idea of it. But im still nervous, normally I hold the chicken whilst someone else depatchs its head with an axe. Any tips or tricks or basically help for me.

 

[SMorrison7k]

My advice is DO NOT hesitate! Commit or it won't break it's neck properly. It's better to over do it than not do it hard enough. Also, be sure to do it on a hard, flat surface.
Good luck! It's never a fun job

 

[SMorrison7k]

*I should also note that I have only done this a few times, I am sure that others with more experience will have more to contribute!

 

[Squishychicken]

Ya pulling the head off is better then strangling it to death...

 

[aart]

Are you euthanizing a sick bird or slaughtering for the meat?
I prefer to use a cone and jugular/carotid slit for harvesting meat.
But use broomstick cervical dislocation for euthanasia.
This is the best vid I've found on the broomstick method,
the only one that didn't also remove the head.

Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,

These two things are the keys to success IMO.
---Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.
---Notice that she slowly and fully stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull.
I've found this technique to be very effective.

 

[Squishychicken]

Yes I am killing a sick bird. She has a hurt leg unable to walk and its just gotta worse. Thank for the advice

 

[Squishychicken]

Ok so It went well it was a little clumsy becasue the bird was smaller and had a hurt leg and the shovel didn't quite sit on her head fully so I had to have someone hold the shovel down. But I ddint pull the head off and stretched the bird first like stated above. Thanks for all the advice this way was easy and if it was a bigger bird I could have done it by myself.

 

[SMorrison7k]

Glad it went well. Sorry you had to do it

 

[Dragonfly Farm]

Are you euthanizing a sick bird or slaughtering for the meat?
I prefer to use a cone and jugular/carotid slit for harvesting meat.
But use broomstick cervical dislocation for euthanasia.
This is the best vid I've found on the broomstick method,
the only one that didn't also remove the head.

Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,

These two things are the keys to success IMO.
---Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.
---Notice that she slowly and fully stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull.
I've found this technique to be very effective.

Gosh. I just watched that video of the Broomstick method...doesn't seem like that bird actually died for quite a while. Thoughts? (Lordy I hope I never have to do that!! I had my vet euthanize one of my hens who was 13 and had gone neurologic. She sat cooing and snoozing in my lap for the time from injection to death. Much less drama for us both!)

 

[aart]

doesn't seem like that bird actually died for quite a while . Thoughts?

Those were just the death throes, electrical impulses that happen with every death unless animal is highly tranquilized(what they do at the vet).