Easiest cull method

[NatJ]

I know it overkill but would definitely do the job. Would probably just need someone to hold the chicken while I cut.

That one's got a rachet. I'd probably go for one with no rachet in it.

But yes, a number of people use tools similar to that, and it works very well for them.

 

[NatJ]

Heres the chicks in question. I'm lea nk ing #1 and 4 being cockerels. The others I'm not sure of

From your pictures, I would not butcher any of them yet. That much variation can happen within a group of all pullets, or a group of all cockerels.

 

[Mamatomany123]

From your pictures, I would not butcher any of them yet. That much variation can happen within a group of all pullets, or a group of all cockerels.

Yes, that's why I'm waiting. Also because inhale no idea what they are. They were supposed to be barred rock, then black copper marans, now shes saying olive eggers. I originally thought black australorps and I know they're fast growing. Now I have no idea. I'll wait a few more weeks but need to prepare myself if it needs to be done.

 

[3KillerBs]

I found that the broomstick method is quick and reliable.

I'm a small woman with arthritis in my wrists but I had no difficulty managing it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Not much of a breeder if they don't know what breed they are. From those photos I'm leaning toward a mix of different breeds. Some look single combed, some look like a pea comb. I agree to hold off a bit until you are sure. To me #4 looks male based on the wattles and the heavy legs. The others, I have no idea.

To help us try to sex them can you give us two shots of each. They don't always cooperate, some are really camera shy. A good shot of the head showing the comb and wattles. A second shot showing legs, posture, and profile. Heavy legs and an upright posture are a male thing. Sometimes body shape can say boy or girl. Experience helps but I think it is more of an art than a science. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes really hard, even when they are older.

In my opinion the easiest and most humane method is the way you can. You want it to be swift and sure. You do not want to flinch or close your eyes at the wrong time, that could lead to an injured chicken or injury to yourself. I use a hatchet and stump. I'm comfortable that I can hit the target. With the head severed I'm sure that it's not feeling pain. If you don't have a stump or are not comfortable you can hit the target with confidence, I do not recommend this method.

With practically any quick method they will have involuntary movements, the wings will flap and the legs will kick so it jumps. That can be hard for some people to watch, especially if you are nor prepared for it. I haven't tried it but using a killing cone or maybe wrapping the bird in a large towel or old sheet around the wings and legs may make that easier to watch.

There are several different basic methods such as a stump with an ax, hatchet, or meat cleaver, variations of the broomstick method, using those loppers or something similar to remove the head, some slice arteries and let them bleed to death. I've seen cervical dislocation discussed.

I have no idea which will be best for you. With that disease you are in a hard place, you are making the ethical decision but that doesn't mean it's easy.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Not much of a breeder if they don't know what breed they are. From those photos I'm leaning toward a mix of different breeds. Some look single combed, some look like a pea comb. I agree to hold off a bit until you are sure. To me #4 looks male based on the wattles and the heavy legs. The others, I have no idea.

To help us try to sex them can you give us two shots of each. They don't always cooperate, some are really camera shy. A good shot of the head showing the comb and wattles. A second shot showing legs, posture, and profile. Heavy legs and an upright posture are a male thing. Sometimes body shape can say boy or girl. Experience helps but I think it is more of an art than a science. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes really hard, even when they are older.

In my opinion the easiest and most humane method is the way you can. You want it to be swift and sure. You do not want to flinch or close your eyes at the wrong time, that could lead to an injured chicken or injury to yourself. I use a hatchet and stump. I'm comfortable that I can hit the target. With the head severed I'm sure that it's not feeling pain. If you don't have a stump or are not comfortable you can hit the target with confidence, I do not recommend this method.

With practically any quick method they will have involuntary movements, the wings will flap and the legs will kick so it jumps. That can be hard for some people to watch, especially if you are nor prepared for it. I haven't tried it but using a killing cone or maybe wrapping the bird in a large towel or old sheet around the wings and legs may make that easier to watch.

There are several different basic methods such as a stump with an ax, hatchet, or meat cleaver, variations of the broomstick method, using those loppers or something similar to remove the head, some slice arteries and let them bleed to death. I've seen cervical dislocation discussed.

I have no idea which will be best for you. With that disease you are in a hard place, you are making the ethical decision but that doesn't mean it's easy.

I'll try to get some better pictures. Right now its windy and dusty. Yes, not a great breeder for sure. I noticed one is having red leakage so s/he may be a maran but kone have feathered legs. I'm pretty sure one is an EE because it has muffs. The others I'm unsure. #4i thought was for sure a male but the comb and wattles have been like this since 4 weeks old. No growth since then.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

I just processed 9 week old males yesterday along with 6 week old males theres one im holding back because im just not sure..i mean i could of done it and just looked inside as if it was a hen I dont need it anyways but i wanna grow it up i used tinsnips and branch cutters as the tinsnips this time where to small but im eating my extras
Heres my odd one....if it turns out male then i will just process when i do the next batch

 

[NatJ]

#4i thought was for sure a male but the comb and wattles have been like this since 4 weeks old. No growth since then.

Wattles are usually a good thing to look at, but may not be much help with this particular group.

Muffs & beard make the wattles smaller.

Chickens with pea combs often have smaller wattles than chickens with single combs.

So if #4 has a single comb and no muffs, it may always have the largest wattles, no matter what gender it is.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Wattles are usually a good thing to look at, but may not be much help with this particular group.

Muffs & beard make the wattles smaller.

Chickens with pea combs often have smaller wattles than chickens with single combs.

So if #4 has a single comb and no muffs, it may always have the largest wattles, no matter what gender it is.

Yes, #4is the only one with a single comb. It's been bigger than the others but I figured that was because the other 3 have pea combs.

 

[NatJ]

Yes, #4is the only one with a single comb. It's been bigger than the others but I figured that was because the other 3 have pea combs.

Exactly right.