I killed 2 guineas so far (a couple days ago), by the chopping the head off method, and I didn't like it since the head still looked alive for a few seconds afterwards. Then I read about it on-line for hours, and this about the guillotine:
The following report was written by a Dr. Beaurieux, who experimented with the head of a condemned prisoner by the name of Henri Languille, on 28 June 1905:
Here, then, is what I was able to note immediately after the decapitation: the eyelids and lips of the guillotined man worked in irregularly rhythmic contractions for about five or six seconds. This phenomenon has been remarked by all those finding themselves in the same conditions as myself for observing what happens after the severing of the neck
I waited for several seconds. The spasmodic movements ceased. [
] It was then that I called in a strong, sharp voice: "Languille!" I saw the eyelids slowly lift up, without any spasmodic contractions I insist advisedly on this peculiarity but with an even movement, quite distinct and normal, such as happens in everyday life, with people awakened or torn from their thoughts.
Next Languille's eyes very definitely fixed themselves on mine and the pupils focused themselves. I was not, then, dealing with the sort of vague dull look without any expression, that can be observed any day in dying people to whom one speaks: I was dealing with undeniably living eyes which were looking at me. After several seconds, the eyelids closed again [
].
It was at that point that I called out again and, once more, without any spasm, slowly, the eyelids lifted and undeniably living eyes fixed themselves on mine with perhaps even more penetration than the first time. Then there was a further closing of the eyelids, but now less complete. I attempted the effect of a third call; there was no further movement and the eyes took on the glazed look which they have in the dead.[18]
So now, after several more hours of reading, I've decided my next kill will be only after knocking the bird out with a board or something, or a baseball bat. Then I'll cut its head off quickly after it's unconscious. I've never been knocked unconscious before myself, but read this and it doesn't sound so bad based on human experiences with it:
http://gutrumbles.com/archives2/002356.php
Also I will attempt to hit the head without the chicken knowing it's about to happen, since chickens are intelligent and do experience fear.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2005/1415178.htm
I love my chickens and will hold them gently and talk to them quietly, maybe even putting a baby-sock over their head like some have suggested so they won't anticipate what's about to happen, and then knock them unconscious and quickly cut off the head after that. I'll keep everyone posted after I try it. My husband and kids love meat, but I refuse to buy any chicken meat at the store or restaurants since those birds have awful lives. My birds are completely free range and live happy lives. So I have no problem at all with killing them (I don't hesitate or cry about it), but I just wanted to find the most humane way to do it.