does anyone ever get used to killing and eating their birds

[toby1959]

I use the American Indian philosophy. I thank Mother nature for allowing me to harvest the bird so that I my live another day. We thank the birds for their sacrifice as well. I have been doing this for over 30 years and have no issues with eating the birds. They have fulfilled their purpose in existence.

 

[kansasgirlinutah]

We have been brought up in an era that we don't really have to think about where our food comes from or what happens to it. Ignorance is bliss, right? It's good that we should be disturbed about killing anything. It's a good reminder for those who are believers in Christ to recognize the sacrifice made on our behalf. Happy Easter to you all!

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Just offering a slightly different perspective, not trying to ruffle any feathers or start any arguments.

I think it is certainly kinder for people to raise their own animals for consumption, versus buying from the grocery store (where the animals faced far more suffering although people don't see it). But I also don't think there's anything wrong with deciding that killing is too sad, difficult, or traumatic, either. Animals are not objects, they are living things, and to end a life is an action with a lot of gravity to it. One can live a very happy and satisfying life without eating meat, and contrary to being a "wimp" or "sentimental" I think it takes a strong person to decide that killing is not for them.

 

[chickens egg me on]

Thank you for your reply, Silver. This is a great thread.

 

[rbredmond1]

Grew up on a farm where we processed all our chickens and pigs, and ate them all with great relish.

Don't know if I could do it nowadays, knowing what we now know about animal awareness, feelings, how they truly CARE for their young, etc.

 

[rbredmond1]

Quote:
That's GREAT!!!

It has been proven that, if early mankind had not begun eating protein in the way of meat, our brains would never have developed to where we began to use tools and grew to where we are now. So apparently, there are benefits to eating meat. But kindly and with reverence has got to be a better way to do it than mass farming and butchering.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Quote:
Well, hard question but for me... I was all for it. Now it's second nature, I wouldn't touch the stuff in the store and really don't eat meat out unless it's a local restaurant that serves either our meat or another farm that I know. It's tough but truly it is the best way to go. I always say, "If you can't kill an animal, or at the very least, have the respect to at least look it in it's eyes when it takes its last breath, you don't deserve to eat it. At least one time... you don't need to kill it or see it every time... just once is enough.

In your case, just give it time. Maybe try a processor? Good luck.

 

[fc]

I hate the thought of "executing" my chickens, but it has to be done if I can't sell them, or I'm just feeding roosters for nothing really. Every day is the same to them, and they are not all that unique. Reminds me of the herd of Zebras in, "Madagascar", where all the zebras looked the same, and acted the same. I hate the traditional way of killing them, so I have a good pellet gun with alloy pellets for a head shot. Funny- I used to love to hunt, and now I hate to kill anything besides insects or rats. I remember the first time I killed my rabbit when I was a teenager. It was so hard, but after that it was routine. I don't know that my mindset is the same as then though.

 

[Jared77]

If you had a eye to eye relationship with that little piggy or that cow that comes to you would you be able to kill it?

Why do you need to get into an eye to eye relationship with your pig or cow? Thats my question. Could I kill it if I had that relationship? Yes. Do I have that relationship? No. I don't get into that relationship with them. No animal destined for consumption gets a name. Pets get names. I don't want to know their personality. It doesn't help with the chores related to that animal, and it only makes processing that much tougher. They don't need my companionship, and I don't want their companionship. I don't coddle mine. I give them the best quality of life for the time they are here. I feed quality food, they are on new pasture every single day that they are outside. Fresh grass, bugs, weeds to pick at, dirt to roll in, sunshine, fresh air, the whole 9 yards. They are not cramped, they have more than enough room to get away from each other. They can have a very high quality of life without hours and hours of human interaction. They thrive just fine without us. Look at the feral chickens in Key West, New Orleans and how many other places around the globe that have feral chickens. They don't need us, so I don't push myself on them. I keep them at arms length and minimize my interactions with them if they are going to be freezer bound in the fall. It helps that I don't know them personally, so when its time to process I just do the deed. I don't get excited about it by any means, but at the same time I'm not wishy washy or upset about doing it either. Its just what has to be done at the time.

Whoever put up the comment about playing with your food was right on the money. Granted I do let my kids play with the day old chicks in the brooder. They are all the same colored chicks, nobody gets names, no treats, no special treatment, they get to handle them and "check them out" and then they move onto something else. I don't want them getting attached either. Check the temperature, clean their bedding, make sure they have food and water and move on. They feather out, they are moved into the tractors, then the freezer. Its that simple. I don't make a big deal out of it, I bought them with the full intention of having them to provide safe, healthy, quality protein for myself and my family. Thats the mentality I start out with and how I handle it.​

 

[fc]

I name them according to their personality. It's a good way to get my wife interested in the care of the chickens. Whether you name them or not, if you don't have a large flock you are going to have some sort of relationship with the birds. I have 19, and don't consider that a large flock.