eating your pet open discussion

[JJSS89]

I think that eating your pet is wrong but eating an animal you brought to eat is ok so long as you don't treat it as a pet

What is the difference in your mind? I treat all my animals with respect and positive attention. Some I eat, some I don't.

 

[Blooie]

I think that eating your pet is wrong but eating an animal you brought to eat is ok so long as you don't treat it as a pet

I'm a little confused. So if I'm buying chickens to eat later, I'm supposed to treat them differently than I treat the rest of the flock? I can't be kind to them, laugh at their antics, worry about them if they get sick, and provide the best care for them until the time comes for them to feed us the way I've fed them over the months? I'm supposed to somehow differentiate between the chickens I'm going to eat and the ones who are "cute"? With that logic, since I'm going to eat some of them anyway I guess I should put those in a separate pen off to the side and never have any interaction with any of them like I do those who aren't yet destined for the freezer. And since I don't know which ones are going until the time comes for them to end up on the table, I guess that means I must treat them all coldly, with no interaction or affection. How is that kind?

I don't set out to make my chickens into pets. But I do love having them around, so it just sorta happens. I like the sounds they make, the trouble they get themselves into, and their personalities. I guess that makes every chicken I have a pet. But I also know that in life's circle I'm going to feed them, use their eggs, and use some for meat so in that sense I guess none of them are pets. I can't have it both ways. I must either treat every chicken with affection and kindness or I shove it in a pen, never treated as they deserve - forgotten until I need to use them. Sorry, I just can't make that choice. They all deserve the best I have to offer, no matter where they end up. And yep, to me that means they deserve a name, too...an identity that's each chicken's own for as long as they depend on me.

 

[Cearbhael]

I'm a little confused.  So if I'm buying chickens to eat later, I'm supposed to treat them differently than I treat the rest of the flock?  I can't be kind to them, laugh at their antics, worry about them if they get sick, and provide the best care for them until the time comes for them to feed us the way I've fed them over the months?  I'm supposed to somehow differentiate between the chickens I'm going to eat and the ones who are "cute"? With that logic, since I'm going to eat some of them anyway I guess I should put those in a separate pen off to the side and never have any interaction with any of them like I do those who aren't yet destined for the freezer.  And since I don't know which ones are going until the time comes for them to end up on the table, I guess that means I must treat them all coldly, with no interaction or affection.  How is that kind? 

I don't set out to make my chickens into pets.  But I do love having them around, so it just sorta happens.  I like the sounds they make, the trouble they get themselves into, and their personalities. I guess that makes every chicken I have a pet.  But I also know that in life's circle I'm going to feed them, use their eggs, and use some for meat so in that sense I guess none of them are pets.  I can't have it both ways.  I must either treat every chicken with affection and kindness or I shove it in a pen, never treated as they deserve - forgotten until I need to use them.  Sorry, I just can't make that choice.  They all deserve the best I have to offer, no matter where they end up.  And yep, to me that means they deserve a name, too...an identity that's each chicken's own for as long as they depend on me.

Well said Blooie! I get chummy and friendly with any animal that ends up living with me! My Dog and Cats share my bed. I already stated my position on this subject so won't repeat myself. All animals deserve love and affection, good care, and respect no matter what their ultimate 'purpose' may be.

 

[btguy]

My sister griped at me when we got together to butcher excess males. I had a roo I was petting and calming while we prepared to kill it and when she told me not to pet it if I'm going to kill it I replied just because I am going to eat him is no reason not to treat him well while he is alive. My main reason for having chickens is to avoid putting money into companies that do not care for their chickens. (Unfortunately Popeyes chicken is REALLY good... I need their recipe) that said by the time my hens stop laying they will probably be pets enough to get a good retirement, extra Roos who pester the hens are not so lucky.

 

[Mini Meat]

Animals live in the NOW, they do not think about the future. My chickens are livestock, intended for the freezer. They never now what their future is so I treat them all well now. Every now and then one chicken will show exceptional personality and may get a reprieve. I do not want my birds to fear me so I interact with them regularly. I treat them with the same kindness and caring that I would give a pet. Why should they get any less.

 

[pingu1]

what I mean is if you live on a farm and own 10,000 chickens you aren't going to go out every day pick them up talk to them go through there names there is a difference but I see your point

 

[JJSS89]

what I mean is if you live on a farm and own 10,000 chickens you aren't going to go out every day pick them up talk to them go through there names there is a difference but I see your point

That doesn't really make sense since none of us have 10K chickens.

 

[pingu1]

then you kinda just realise that that wasn't aimed at you

 

[JJSS89]

Okay who owns 10,000 birds for eating and has pets? I haven't seen them on here

 

[Blooie]

what I mean is if you live on a farm and own 10,000 chickens you aren't going to go out every day pick them up talk to them go through there names there is a difference but I see your point

That makes much more sense. I have way too much time on my hands and even I couldn't make friends with 10,000 chickens! I see what you meant.