Found a butchering video- Method I am going to use

[Kassaundra]

Thank You! That isn't bad at all. I actually expected it would cost more. I think I would be the most comfortable doing it that way. Slitting the throat ...while I think I could do it...it seems so personal. Which is probably the biggest reason I did not cull my 2 eggbound hens that way. Wish I would have had the gun then. Thanks so much for your info It was very helpful!

Your welcome

 

[Island Roo]

It's possible to botch it using pellet guns or firearms too.

Don't be in a rush to pull the trigger - make sure the bird is not moving and your aim is true.

My first chicken / 22 experience was done hastily and was not a great experience but if done properly it works well.

 

[gg706]

Did you stay with the rifle method or did you go to something else? Thank You for the advice...I can see how hitting a small chicken head would be difficult.

 

[Island Roo]

I gave up on the rifle after that, but I may try Kassaundra's method. It sounds like the chicken is hanging in the cone and not able to move. Or something. I'll have to read it again. A pistol would be even easier at those close ranges.

I've used the hatchet method since. Did a couple of practice swings before the first one.

After watching those videos I may go for the jugular - never tried that either. It seems less violent and looks to do a better job of draining the blood.

It's never fun but still better than the alternatives the chicken might face.

 

[Kassaundra]

I gave up on the rifle after that, but I may try Kassaundra's method. It sounds like the chicken is hanging in the cone and not able to move. Or something. I'll have to read it again. A pistol would be even easier at those close ranges.

I've used the hatchet method since. Did a couple of practice swings before the first one.

After watching those videos I may go for the jugular - never tried that either. It seems less violent and looks to do a better job of draining the blood.

It's never fun but still better than the alternatives the chicken might face.

Yes the bird is hanging upside down facing away, restrained in a similar way as a killing cone, but I used an old kitty litter jug I had, and built (well my husband built and I tweeked) a simple 2x4 frame to hold it steady and at the right angle. Yes a revolver type would be easier to get the angle you need, however to get the velocity up at a price I could afford I had to do the rifle. There is no need to cut the throat w/ the shooting in the head method they bleed completely out through the wound and just as fast as a neck cut.


Oh and you are absolutely right about taking your time letting the bird settle into thier trance thing so they are relaxed and not moving, make your aim true you have plenty of time, so don't rush it.

 

[gg706]

I suppose to a point, them being upside down and having the blood settling a bit in their head is probably better for them in the end as it seems they would get a little woozing and then bleed out faster after the shot. I think I would feel more comfortable with the rifle. I would be a little farther away from the shooting bullet in case of a richocet. I am going to look at setting something up today and see what I can come up with. I need to make sure the bullet if it came out would go into the dirt and not hit the cement foundation of my shed.

 

[Ullie]

Yes the bird is hanging upside down facing away, restrained in a similar way as a killing cone, but I used an old kitty litter jug I had, and built (well my husband built and I tweeked) a simple 2x4 frame to hold it steady and at the right angle. Yes a revolver type would be easier to get the angle you need, however to get the velocity up at a price I could afford I had to do the rifle. There is no need to cut the throat w/ the shooting in the head method they bleed completely out through the wound and just as fast as a neck cut.


Oh and you are absolutely right about taking your time letting the bird settle into thier trance thing so they are relaxed and not moving, make your aim true you have plenty of time, so don't rush it.

I would love to see some photos of the frame & set up you built?

 

[Kassaundra]

I would love to see some photos of the frame & set up you built?

I'll post some pics, it may be a few days today starts my work week and I work 24 hrs at a time. I'll try and post pics Fri depending on how today goes.

 

[gg706]

That would be great THANKS!

 

[7&8]

Anyone ever watched this interesting video?: Respectful Chicken Harvest