Cone Culling Tips

[cluckmecoop7]

Not lifting them by it or anything forceful, it's just an easy handle for positioning their head. From the other comments it sounds like I need to get a better full head grip to get that neck straightened out and tight first.

Ok, as long as the bird does not feel pain right before you kill it.

 

[aart]

I've got a broody mama hen that keeps raising babies that I don't need for egg production

Well, you can keep the broody from hatching

 

[UrbanChickie]

Well, you can keep the broody from hatching

True, but its been really fun letting her do all the work. She's a game bird (maybe OEG), and I think that they really have some strong broody instincts.

 

[EggWalrus]

If you aren't gonna cook and eat the head, just get some heavy duty pruning or kitchen sheers (with the notch in the blades) and SNIP! off with its head. Doesn't hurt any more that letting them bleed to death slowly and there aren't any "boo boos" that can lead to the bird suffering.

 

[aart]

True, but its been really fun letting her do all the work.

Except she's not doing the cockerel slaughtering 'work' for you.

 

[trudyg]

EggWalrus is right, but I'd use lopping shears (bigger, longer handles) instead of pruning shears or kitchen shears. I've done it with loppers (once) and it was ok, seemed like bird got spooked by them. Now I hang the bird, either in a cone or just by the feet with a cord, and let it calm down a minute or so. Then I use a utility knife with a new blade, hold the head in one hand, work the blade down to the skin and quick slice. Be sure to avoid the feathers, they are like armor. With the head in your hand, it's dark for them and they seem not to struggle. Then, walk away for a few minutes, wipe off the blade, get a drink of water, come back and it's dead.

 

[UrbanChickie]

Except she's not doing the cockerel slaughtering 'work' for you.

That's true! Boy do I have a new appreciation for all that's involved in order to eat meat. I'm looking forward to getting more efficient in that whole process.

 

[UrbanChickie]

Update: the latest cull went so smoothly! I had my boning knife professionally sharpened first and I made sure to have a nice strong grip. I think these things get easier with practice. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

[aart]

Update: the latest cull went so smoothly! I had my boning knife professionally sharpened first and I made sure to have a nice strong grip. I think these things get easier with practice. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

No Doubt!

 

[Ratchnick]

Update: the latest cull went so smoothly! I had my boning knife professionally sharpened first and I made sure to have a nice strong grip. I think these things get easier with practice. Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Sharpening is very skill intensive, professional sharpening was a good idea.