Culling Advice Please!

[ANiceKaren]

Thank you so much for all of this

 

[ANiceKaren]

Thank you so much for this

I'm really sorry you're going through this. I went through something similar early this year; it's not an easy decision, but it's a kind one.

This was my first time as well, and I also used cervical dislocation. As a rookie, I did it first try with no problems. What helped me get the technique down was I watched a LOT of videos on YouTube. I used the broomstick method.

There will be a lot of flapping, and other strange movements. Watching videos helped me get used to all that, though I didn't have much of a problem with the imagery in the first place. Watching videos familiarizes yourself to the process, and helps you know what movements are normal.

With the broomstick, there is some discomfort. Having a broomstick on your neck isn't the most fun thing, however, I don't think it's painful. If you were to use a broomstick, to minimize discomfort and stress you (or your husband in this case) should commence the process as soon as you put your feet down on the broomstick.

Another thing I should add is when your husband pulls, he should do it quick and with a snap. When I did it, I was in a lot of emotional distress and my mind wasn't exactly present, so I didn't really snap I don't think, I just pulled until I felt a pop. It did the deed and she didn't suffer, but I could've done it better. I feel as though this advice goes for both the broomstick and if he was doing it completely by hand.

Another thing I struggled with was second guessing myself after the fact. For a few days I just kept thinking "was she dead? Did I think she was dead but she wasn't? Was she suffering? Did I bury her alive with a broken neck?" After I killed her I checked a few things to ensure she was dead:

1. Her neck was limp, there was no bone between her head and the spine. They were disconnected. All that was there was flesh and skin.
2. I checked her eye for any reaction. If I remember correctly, right after the pull and the chicken is flapping, the pupils go haywire. But when it calms down her eyes shouldn't have any sensitivity to light, nor should her 3rd eyelid move when you touch her eye.
3. A couple minutes after the pull, you can feel blood pooling in her neck.

She was dead, and because I checked these I was able to stop second guessing myself. This advice i think also goes for CD by hand.

I hope all goes well. Just remember that you are being a compassionate and responsible chicken owner. Your chicken has lived a good life and appreciates all you've done for her.