Culling a chicken advice

[CalgaryFarmer]

There is a dry ice method that seems to be pretty humane.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/259799/non-violent-way-to-kill-a-chicken/10

 

[Mrs. K]

I did the broom stick method, and the animal does have death twitches, which can be rather horrible. However, it is not PAIN for the animal. It can make you second guess yourself, as in, did I do it wrong, and she is still not dead.

It really helps if you can have a buddy for moral support, but not someone who is very squeamish.

I have also used a banded razor blade on each side of the neck until you get a good blood flow. This does not really bother the bird, as a very sharp cut hardly hurts as all. The bird just gets tired and weak, and lies down. This can be very messy and if blood bothers you, you really should go with the broom stick method.

Mrs K

 

[lazy gardener]

I have been using the broom stick for 2 years. It has made it possible for me to process my roos by myself. I'm slow, but I do get the job done. Satisfaction in being able to take care of all ends of the flock, from start to finish. And IMO, broom stick, decapitation or quick bleed out are faster and far less traumatic to the bird than a slow death by oxygen deprivation. The movements you see after the fact are simply extra electrical energy firing the nerves, and not pain response... by the time this is happening, the bird is already dead. A dead animal feels no pain.

 

[MeepBeep]

And IMO, broom stick, decapitation or quick bleed out are faster and far less traumatic to the bird than a slow death by oxygen deprivation.

Done properly they pass out very quickly and the brain shuts down very quickly, it's not a slow process at all...

Their brain and body do not recognize 'suffocation' as long as they have some gas to breath... What their body and ours can sense is a CO2 build up and we/they associate that CO2 build up as suffocation, this CO2 build up trigger is what causes them/us to gasp for air, use another gas like Helium and our/their body has no clue it's suffocating because the CO2 'suffocation' trigger is never triggered, their.our body just keeps breathing as normal while the brain shuts down...

 

[Bukbuk Betty]

Thought I would chime in here, as I've also just had to put down a favorite hen who was very sick.

There are so many methods of "culling", and everyone will favor what they're most comfortable with. Last year I spoke with a local chicken breeder and Judge about some health issues I was having with a couple birds. He had several suggestions, and the one I recall the clearest was "Sometimes the best thing in your medicine chest is a good, sharp hatchet". As my birds are mainly pets, it has taken me time to come to terms with this. I've lost birds for different reasons, mainly just passing on their own accord- some suddenly, and some after a week or more of illness.

I have always felt strongly that part of owning animals is making the best decisions on their behalf, and not allowing any to suffer needlessly. After trying everything in my power to heal sick birds, and she's just going downhill, it's "time". However, as someone who has not grown up with raising meat animals or hunting, I have struggled with this. And, I don't feel right about bringing the brother-in-law or my husband to do my "dirty work". After reading all of the different methods of doing in a chicken, I have found that the hatchet method does indeed work the best for me.

I have a stump that I have 2, 3" screws about an inch apart, screwed partially in on one side of the top of the stump. I go grab my heavy butcher knife, make sure it's SHARP (did this with a rather dull axe a while back, was not a pretty sight.... Sharp, people. Sharp.) and I put that by the stump with a box or whatever I'm going to put the bird in afterwards. I go and get the bird and wrap her body snugly in a hand towel to contain the post-chop twitching and reduce any struggle stress prior. I'm pretty sentimental and it takes me some time to work up to do this even though I know it's the kindest thing to do for the bird. Actually, I find it really upsetting. Especially with the birds I've grown fond of. When I've said my goodbyes, I lay the bird on the stump with her neck between the screws, gently pull her body so that the neck is straight-ish and give a very quick, hard chop. There is very little twitching, and I've found it a bit easier to hold onto the body with the towel than with just one hand. I prefer to do this by myself so this method works for me. So for those of you who are also working up to ending suffering of your favorite birds, know that the lead up to the chop is the WORST part. The chop itself is so fast, and I feel it's the least amount of trauma and suffering. There is honestly not that much blood, the bird generally closes their eyes right away and it's over. No more suffering for your bird, and no more stressing about it for you. Every time I have had to do this, I still have to remind myself of all these things. Someday it will get easier, or maybe not. Anyway, I just thought I'd share my take on it.