It is a dilemma for sure. I can readily admit I am not capable of culling a bird myself. I saw it done (humanely) on a video recently and cried, and I didn't even know the bird, lol. It's not that I don't eat meat either. I eat loads of meat and chicken and am fully aware and respectful of where it come from. It's just my nature guess - every bird keep (and I don't have many) is not just a bird to me. They become beloved pets.
When I had a very sick hen recently it became apparent that she needed to be culled. Unable to do it myself, I paid a vet to end her pain. It is a road I will take for all of them when their time comes, as I can't do it myself and don't want to see them suffer either.
I am hatching chicks for the first time this season and tomorrow in fact I am giving away two cockerels to my brother. I will miss them terribly and I am very attached to one in particular. Still, it's better than what will happen to any of the other males. I have 4 other chicks and a broody hen sitting on 6 eggs which are due to hatch this Friday. Any males, once identified, will be sent to the poultry auctions.
Now, I'm not saying that some birds don't find loving homes from the auctions. Indeed, I bought my flock from the auctions. But the reality is that my little pen of cockerels (however many there may be) will probably go off for meat. I try not to think about it. It is an unfortunate reality.
Krista
When I had a very sick hen recently it became apparent that she needed to be culled. Unable to do it myself, I paid a vet to end her pain. It is a road I will take for all of them when their time comes, as I can't do it myself and don't want to see them suffer either.
I am hatching chicks for the first time this season and tomorrow in fact I am giving away two cockerels to my brother. I will miss them terribly and I am very attached to one in particular. Still, it's better than what will happen to any of the other males. I have 4 other chicks and a broody hen sitting on 6 eggs which are due to hatch this Friday. Any males, once identified, will be sent to the poultry auctions.
Now, I'm not saying that some birds don't find loving homes from the auctions. Indeed, I bought my flock from the auctions. But the reality is that my little pen of cockerels (however many there may be) will probably go off for meat. I try not to think about it. It is an unfortunate reality.
Krista
