How do you cull a chick?

[jettgirl24]

I've been thinking about this as well... So far I haven't had to cull but I'm sure eventually all of us incubators will. I read on another thread somewhere that the vinegar thing is not actually very humane... Mostly it just makes us feel better because there is no blood. I HATE the thought of the hatchet but that seems to me to be the quickest and probably least painful way to go. I fear the neck breaking because I'm afraid I would hesitate and hurt the chick before actually getting the job done

 

[bargain]

At the risk of making someone upset with me, I worry in addition to being humane to the chicken to also being humane to our land fills. How long will the starter fluid and plastic sterilite boxes take to return to soil, if ever????

When a cull is necessary I quickly handle it with wringing of the neck and a burial here on the farm. I would recommend a way to handle this that doesn't add toxins to our planet. Hope this was helpful and it's hard to cull. Blessings on your day, Nancy

 

[cackydoodledoo]

Quote:
I agree and didn't think about the environmental impact. I wouldn't suggest the plastic tub for a chick. A simple paper sack would work. I can't imagine the amount of ether you would use would be much more damage than starting up your car so I don't think the impact will be that great. Also the chick is just inhaling the fumes so not too much will really be asborbed.

I think the OP is hesitant to wring it's neck especially if there is a possibility it's head will pop off. I think she was possibly looking for a way that was easier on her as well.

Btw I am not upset with you. We are all entitled to our opinions. We just may not always agree!!

 

[mrszlopez]

Quote:
I agree and didn't think about the environmental impact. I wouldn't suggest the plastic tub for a chick. A simple paper sack would work. I can't imagine the amount of ether you would use would be much more damage than starting up your car so I don't think the impact will be that great. Also the chick is just inhaling the fumes so not too much will really be asborbed.

I think the OP is hesitant to wring it's neck especially if there is a possibility it's head will pop off. I think she was possibly looking for a way that was easier on her as well.

Btw I am not upset with you. We are all entitled to our opinions. We just may not always agree!!

x2 !!

 

[TayFray!]

we had one chick we had to cull. i know this is a little bad, but my dad said it was quick and easy so he hit its head on a rock, it died sudden and never felt it. We burried it after!!

 

[Ms.Frizzle]

One of my friends said that when they had to cull a well loved rooster of hers, she filled a bag with gas and had it breathe in the fumes until it died. My understanding is that it was a peaceful way to go, like euthenizing a dog. idk though, I've always had my dad shoot any bad roosters for me. : P

 

[srsmith69]

Quote:
The OP did not express any aversion to any method of culling, she just asked what is the most humane. My opinion, ring the neck, lop off the head. Whatever is the quickest way for you to accomplish that. Do it by hand, with a hatchet, cleaver, or handheld pruning shears work really well. It is over quick for both you and the sick chick.

 

[snazzyboots]

i just had to do this today. i put it on a paper towel in a bag and cut it's head off with strong scissors. it was awful for me but the chick didn't make a peep and it was quick so i don't think it felt anything. if it wasn't suffering i would wait and have my vet euthanize. that wasn't an option today. i know everyone has an opinion on this and i feel it has to be what is best for the chick and whatever you personally can handle. i also agree that we have to consider the environment as well.

 

[Amarisus]

I hope that I never have to cull. It all sounds so brutal. My wife would just be sick if we ever have to.

 

[L.L Farm]

I've found that the #1 painless way is put them in a box, tape it shut so no air can go out or in, then cut a small circle to fit around the muffler of your car, but the box to it, start the car. They fall "asleep" without noticing it, then die. Me personally, I don't like chopping off the heads of chicks. I'm fine with doing it on the meat birds, but can't bring myself to do it on chicks