I believe not only is it better for the bird but it has to be better for me and my family.Have you tried butchering the turkeys??? It is tough, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I cry, but I guess I should only worry when it doesn't affect me. I have my breeding turkeys and the rest are named either Christmas or Thanksgiving. I just keep telling myself that for each one I butcher, it is one less that has to live in factory farms next year. It helps me....that and getting them drunk!!!