First Cull :(

[Rin]

I had to cull a roo today, he was incredibly aggressive. Started fights with the others and aggressive towards me too

Needless to say, for my first try. It did not go well.

I tried stunning him first and unfortunately despite practicing with a plush first repeatedly.. it went horribly.. Took three whacks before he was stunned and when I went to kill him... I.. missed...

I hit his head, splitting it and then he thrashed blood all over... I don't think I ever cried, "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry" so many times in my life and meant it. It was horrible and I still have another rooster that needs to be removed from my flock. This one is nicer though but a complete flighty coward.

It's a horrible memory now I can't get rid of... all I can do is remind myself it was him or the rest of my flock.. little does that comfort immediately after such a loss. I'm not asking for anything really, I guess I just need to confess... to vent.. I dunno...

 

[heritagebirds]

It is easier to get rid of the nasties... the nicer ones are harder.

 

[The Egg Bandit]

I use the cone method, combined with a Dollar store baby sock over the head. Sometimes I wash and re-use. Sometimes I just toss it. I hate this part of chicken husbandry. But it is a part of it. I always try to express my gratitude (if we are going to eat it), or my sympathy (if it is a sick bird being culled). It is a kind of prayer to the chicken's soul. And it does MY soul good. Sorry for your pain, it doesn't get easier. However, knowing you are doing the right thing by the rest of your flock helps.

 

[JROOSTER]

 

[chicks4kids]

That's really sad that you had such a bad first time...try using the cone method.....that's how I do it. Just cut their carotid artery and walk away.......there's nothing traumatic about it. Come back in a few minutes......it's done. I remember the way my grandparent's did it, and to this day am still absolutely 100% positive that I will NEVER do it that way. The cone method works best for me. I wish you better luck next time. And even though it didn't go well, your girls thank you for it....you'll see the difference in your flock's behavior immediately since he was so aggressive--I know, I just did a real aggressive one that bit me 3 times while trying to pull his head through the cone

It'll get easier! Hang in there!

 

[Rin]

Baby sock... boy do I wish I thought of that... he stared at me, head split from beak to comb. Still staring.

I tried to pray for him, but what do you say? I asked him not to put up a fight, to go peacefully into the light. In retrospect. He kept that promise. He didn't really fight me. Just.. death throes... he couldn't help those though.

 

[debakadeb]

I agree with the other posters...the cone method is so much easier on you and on the bird.

 

[texaschickmom]

What a horrible experience! I can tell you I'd never do that again if that happened to me.

I'm just not up to the culling part of this. I'd rather give them away on Craig's List.

 

[holachicka]

I'm so sorry you had a bad experience! I'm not looking forward to those days, but they will come for me too. Just remember, even though it didn't go as smoothly as you hoped, it was STILL the RIGHT thing to do for you your flock or any children who might wander near.

 

[DaughterOfEve]

"It was horrible and I still have another rooster that needs to be removed from my flock. This one is nicer though but a complete flighty coward."

this roo's personality might change with the mean roo gone.