Do you ever get used to "putting down" a baby chick?

[Avalon1984]

Quote:
I think it depends on each and every person and there has been plenty of discussions of which method is the best. I did not intend this thread to turn into such a discussion, I was merely wanting to hear what other people felt like after doing the deed. I have not tried the ether method yet and rely on both good and bad that I have heard about it and I am not planning on using it. Scissor method has worked fast for me in the past and I don’t feel that it is cruel at all, at least not crueler than any of the other methods. Just because there is no blood doesn’t mean there is no suffering. I would like to shoot it but quite honestly I am not sure if I’d have a good aim being emotional and all. But I have used it successfully for adult chickens in the past. Wood chipper makes me shudder a little bit. But then again, if it works for the Sopranos

If you shoot it a shotgun might be more effective for you.

The spraddle leg chicks are harder than the ones that are just dying for unknown reasons. The spraddles look ok except they can't walk. The others look like they need to be put out of their misery.

You are talking to a person with terribly bad eyesight- even with glasses

I think I would be a nervous wreck. My little guy was having all kinds of seizures and I would really hate to miss. Maybe a pellet gun, but what if I shoot myself in the foot? Oh well, a long and sad day is coming to an end now. Hubby buried the little guy and hopefully there won't be another one. He said the remaining ones look good.

 

[kathyinmo]

It does get easier. I never thought I would ever say that, but it does. It is never a pleasant task, but something that just has to be done. I hate it, yes. But, I can do it now. Get used to it? I dunno about that. I just do what has to be done. To me, it is easier to put down a chick than it is a bigger bird.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I have not gotten used to it.

But I do it.

After the first one it was.............easier but I still do not like it.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

delete

 

[EweSheep]

It gets easier....I would just disassociate with the chick, being in another frame of mind "It's suffering, just a chick!" over and over. "Its the best thing for both of us".

for chicks I used engine starter fluid but I'd rather go quickly, by slamming the chick against a concrete floor...it's instanteous and done overwith.

With starlings, I just twitch their heads with NO emotion at all.

Older chicks to adult chickens, broomstick method seems to work well for me since I can not pull with strength in holding the bird with one hand and the neck on the other hand. So broomstick method for me.

 

[HHandbasket]

If I ever do get used to it, it's time to stop keeping pets of ANY kind.

I accept it as a reality of chickeneering, but it's not something I think I'll ever get used to.

 

[Redcatcher]

Quote:
I think it depends on each and every person and there has been plenty of discussions of which method is the best. I did not intend this thread to turn into such a discussion, I was merely wanting to hear what other people felt like after doing the deed. I have not tried the ether method yet and rely on both good and bad that I have heard about it and I am not planning on using it. Scissor method has worked fast for me in the past and I don’t feel that it is cruel at all, at least not crueler than any of the other methods. Just because there is no blood doesn’t mean there is no suffering. I would like to shoot it but quite honestly I am not sure if I’d have a good aim being emotional and all. But I have used it successfully for adult chickens in the past. Wood chipper makes me shudder a little bit. But then again, if it works for the Sopranos

I think HOW it is done directly relates to one feels about it. The ACT of cutting the head off of a baby chick is just plain barbaric in my opinion when there are alternatives that do not involve blood or decapitating a live animal. I have no idea who started this practice but others followed along and have accepted it. If you can cut a baby chick's head off and not have nightmares about it, then go for it, but it is horrid way to end an animal's life.

 

[KristyHall]

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this