Culling older hens

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Mrs. K :

It is part of the cycle, I did my first ones this year, and really, it was not that bad. I knew it had to be done, and I had raised them. I used the sharp knife and the killing cone. Once that part was over, my SIL and I really felt it was not that bad.

I know that some have a terrible time dealing with this, and I am sorry for them. I works for me to be a little detached, I knew it was going to have to happen, so I started distancing myself a little from them. Also, it helps for me to think that they do not suffer, it is over quickly, and they had a good life.

MrsK

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[knaup109]

I have 3 and enjoy watching them. If that time come, I don't think I can do it.
Just an idea, how about letting them go into the wild life. Let them become feral chicken.

 

[bobbi-j]

Quote:
Around here they wouldn't be "feral chicken" for long. They'd be dead chickens because one of our many preditors would get them in short order. A knife or hatchet is a much less painful and terrifying death. Also, I think it would be cruel to take a chicken that has been used to having its food and water provided for it and turn it loose and expect it to fend for itself.

 

[bethandjoeync]

When we had to cull our first hen last year due to injury...it was difficult for me. but if you can just set your mind to the task at hand it's not so bad. also any bird that we put to the dinner plate we (or at least I do) say a thank you prayer (some we did name) for giving the life to nurish our bodies.

and I feel even better knowing where the meal came from and that I worked to clean it and prepare it. that is always gratifying.

we need to thin the flock too, so I am right there with ya
good luck!

 

[teach1rusl]

My birds all have names...they're pets really. If I had to get rid of them, I'd have to offer them up for free to anyone who wanted to take them and process them themselves, as I couldn't do it (unless we were in dire straits). But I wish you luck on your processing - hope it goes smoothly.

 

[chicmom]

I have had to cull....I'm Ok with it. I used an axe to dispatch a rooster recently. He was just way too mean, and attacked me one too many times.....I am going to get the proper tools, and learn how to process chickens this summer. I feel that the meat shouldn't be wasted......

 

[Mattemma]

I should be out killing my sick hen,but am reading BYC instead.

The nails in a board or log to hold the neck in place. I have it all planned how I will kill my girl with my hand ax.Wrap her body with a towel and chop. I dug her grave yesterday in our pet cemetary. I am told it is easier the more you do it. I hope so.

I have seen people use those orange traffic cones to slip the neck through and slice with a knife. I cleaned hens back in Hungary as a kid. The worst part is killing them,but once that is over you just clean them up like any other meat you would buy.

I was thinking the ax would be easier than a knife.I guess we all just have to find our best way. Wishing you well!

 

[mistymeadowchicks]

Quote:
Around here they wouldn't be "feral chicken" for long. They'd be dead chickens because one of our many preditors would get them in short order. A knife or hatchet is a much less painful and terrifying death. Also, I think it would be cruel to take a chicken that has been used to having its food and water provided for it and turn it loose and expect it to fend for itself.

X2!!!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
Your older girls will make THE BEST chicken stock you have every had!

Their meat can be used for chicken pot pies (so good home made you will never buy another store bought one - I have a recipe if you need one - PM me) or used in tacos or soup.


Please before you cull them, read thru this article - it deals with home grown chickens and how best to cook them at their age (young to old). This article does not deal with cornish crosses. www.albc-usa.org/documents/cookingwheritagechicken.pdf


Honor your girls by using them to feed your family, it is a great tribute to them.


I always tell those headed to the chopping block how much I have loved and enjoyed them, I thank them for hatching and feeding me. I am never embarassed if I cry at their passing - as I love them all.

 

[chuckzoo]

Quote:
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