Culling - Is This Humane?

[LisaJean]

UPDATE: Hi everyone. Thanks for your help. In the end, I tried the jar method, but couldn't stand the thought of it taking so long. So hubby took the little one out back and did it in with the limb cutters.

So that's the new solution. Get hubby to do it.


Hi folks,

Today my order from Ideal arrived. 25 baby chicks. One of them has what appears to be a dislocated knee. The leg is limp and cold to the touch, and a clear fluid is seeping from near the knee joint.

In short, this chick is not going to make it. I came up with, and dismissed several methods of culling. What I have decided on is to put the chick in a jar, with soft paper at the bottom, and put the lid on. I figure that the chick will suffocate, and just peacefully go to sleep as the oxygen is used up, and feel nothing.

Can anyone give me their feedback on this method of culling? I already tried to cut the head off, and I can't do it. I'm weak.

 

[okieroy]

The real problem with that type of cull is that you don't know how long it will take for the chick to use the oxygen. While the chick is in the jar, they will be alone and scared. The scissor method is hard for me too, but much less distressing for the chick.

 

[loverOFchickens]

someone said a little while ago that in bag in the freezer.
They will not feel anything and just drift off to sleep

 

[fowltemptress]

Do you have a friend who can do it for you?

That doesn't sound very humane, and freezing is not a comfortable way to die for anything. I know it's hard to cut with scissors, but you need to keep telling yourself you are ending its suffering and doing a good thing. It's part of the responsibilities that come with getting chicks, and it's best to face up to it if you can. It's over in less than a second and not that terrible, I promise you that.

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

There was a similar post recently https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=166904&p=1

Here's what I had said there:
I used to work in a pet store. While we never had to cull mammals, our specialty was fish and we often had to get rid of the sick ones. Freezing is mean and wrong with any animal! Even though it sounds bad, stunning it by doing some kind "whack" to the head is best. Culling is difficult and emotionally hard, but is sometimes necessary. I hope for your sake you don't have to cull, but if you do, DO NOT FREEZE!

Due to the topic, I have to say this. Oh, and for anyone who has fish and you have to kill it (not already dead) please don't flush it until after you "whack" it. Flushing is worse than freezing because of all the chemicals in the toilet water and how disorienting it is. Okay I know this is a chicken forum so I'll get off my soap box, but had to put it in there.

Last thing, good luck with your chick, I hope all turns out well.

 

[fowltemptress]

Quote:
When I had to get rid of fish I fed them to the chickens

 

[okieroy]

 

[AHappychick]

dont freeze and dont sufficate both you and the chick will be in great distress.

its hard but just wak its head on the counter and snip its head off with poultry shears. or if you want make a gas chamber but please after trying several methods myself trust me and do the snipping.

 

[cozycritters]

Honestly-- I go and cry and my DH goes into the back and whacks it hard in the head with a rock...

 

[Sallyschickens]

Ouch!

I hope I never have to cull any of my chickens or chicks...you poor thing!

I have to agree, the faster, the better.

Do you have anyone who can do it for you? I know I would not be able to do it myself.

I once had a neighbor's dog chase a kitten under my car when I was backing out. Horrible to say the least. I had to pull back over the kitten again to you know, finish it off. I then ran into the house (without looking!!!) to get my husband to clean up. That was 10 years ago I still have nightmares about that!!

I hope you have a good friend that can help you out in this situation.