Culling. Humane method help

[Big Doggie]

I don’t have to face this problem yet but I am not comfortable with it. When the time comes I need to know how to proceed without bungling an already difficult act.
Thanks for your help.

 

[coach723]

Having tried several methods, I've attached a good article that is how I do it and for many of the same reasons, why. It discusses many of the other methods. A couple of ways that were recommended to me left me in tears as they didn't go well at all. This way it's quick, mistake proof, and I feel most humane. It is not completely hands off, which methods I have found to be less than humane. It's good you are figuring it out before the time comes. Not something that anyone enjoys, but a necessary part of chicken keeping. Most people feel that cervical dislocation is the most humane form of euthanization, this way is the easiest and most error proof for me.
https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-cull-chicken.html

 

[Big Doggie]

Having tried several methods, I've attached a good article that is how I do it and for many of the same reasons, why. It discusses many of the other methods. A couple of ways that were recommended to me left me in tears as they didn't go well at all. This way it's quick, mistake proof, and I feel most humane. It is not completely hands off, which methods I have found to be less than humane. It's good you are figuring it out before the time comes. Not something that anyone enjoys, but a necessary part of chicken keeping. Most people feel that cervical dislocation is the most humane form of euthanization, this way is the easiest and most error proof for me.
https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-cull-chicken.html

Not looking forward to it. I’ve done so much research into making them secure and content. But we all must die at some point and I want to keep them from suffering.

 

[coach723]

I completely understand. I dislike doing it very much, but when a bird is suffering it is the kindest thing we can do rather than let them slowly waste away in pain, stress or discomfort. When I first started keeping chickens it was really, really difficult for me. I still don't like doing it, but it has become easier with time, especially as I have become more knowledgeable and comfortable about knowing when I might be able to help them recover, and when that isn't likely or possible. When it's done out of concern and caring for the animal, and preventing needless suffering, it's the right thing to do. And it's really awful to have an emergency and not have any idea of what to do, so planning ahead on your part is the smart thing to do.

 

[Ms Biddy]

If you ever have to put a bird down, I think the broomstick method is pretty humane. I have tried it. The chicken remained calm and it was instant. There's a lot of wing flapping after, however. When butchering, we use a knife and cone. This works well for us for that purpose, but the broomstick method is bloodless and easy for one person to do quickly with no extra equipment.

 

[coach723]

I honestly think that the best way for each individual is that one with which they are most comfortable. If you are comfortable with it then you are less likely to botch it. Many people use the broomstick method and it is humane when done correctly. However some large roosters take a lot more force, and it can accidentally become bloody when too much force is applied. I'm not criticizing the method at all, I just prefer a different way.

 

[Phaefner]

Your method is what I decided to do when turkey and goose harvesting time came. Here I thought I was the only genius to figure it out I’m laughing but even though I raised them for this exact purpose....it doesn’t make the task any easier

Having tried several methods, I've attached a good article that is how I do it and for many of the same reasons, why. It discusses many of the other methods. A couple of ways that were recommended to me left me in tears as they didn't go well at all. This way it's quick, mistake proof, and I feel most humane. It is not completely hands off, which methods I have found to be less than humane. It's good you are figuring it out before the time comes. Not something that anyone enjoys, but a necessary part of chicken keeping. Most people feel that cervical dislocation is the most humane form of euthanization, this way is the easiest and most error proof for me.
https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-cull-chicken.html

 

[JaeG]

This article is by a vet who goes through two methods that are the most humane way to dispatch a bird and also explains why as opposed to other methods.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/how-to-humanely-euthanize-chicken-by-dr/

@coach723 has also given you a good link there - one I'll be bookmarking.

 

[Kdlevesque]

I have a hard time with this as well so the last two were put down by my vet and he did cervical dislocation

 

[priscillaJ]

I posted about a chicken that had a bad wound last week. The wound is not going to close up sufficiently at all and I've decided to put her down. My first choice is a vet in town. So if that fails, I have a pretty hard decision of how to do this. Until I read the chicken vet's article, I thought 'blunt force trauma' might work. We would stun mice in the research lab like that. I thought it would be quick, if I didn't hold back during the process. Hate this. And I am getting rid of all my chickens because they are really too much and I have many other things going on. I rehomed the roosters and now have 18 girls, one with a scissor beak and this one that has the bad wound. Just had enough.