how to cull...

[Sweet Violet]

ok, I've got fertile eggs and am worried about "what if" I need to cull on the permanent side of things if something goes terribly wrong.
1. Is there a humane way?

2. What do you all do with too many roosters? I don't want any to end up in a fighting ring.

Thanks for all the information

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

I have found the fastest way (and most humane for the chick) to dispatch a chick is a sharp pair of shears. It was very difficult for me the first time or two, but once you know how it's going to go, and know that it's best for the chick, it does get...well, easier, for lack of a better word. Also, I put down some newspaper, get everything positioned, and then cover with a paper towel, so I don't actually have to see it. Then you can just roll up the newspaper...

THANK YOU for asking ahead of time, so you are prepared for what you may have to do, rather than waiting until you have a suffering chick!

Oh, and on the extra roosters...Craigslist is great, or fill up the freezer...

If I have one or two that I am particularly attached to but can't keep, I put in my CL ads that if they are going to eat them, they need to lie to me and make me believe them, or they can't have them!

 

[Sweet Violet]

good information, thank you so much! makes me feel much better about life!

 

[Bubbles8i8]

Is there a way to cull them and keep them intact? I just feel so wasteful throwing the bodies away and would rather donate to a reptile rescue or something like that.

 

[KKatknap]

I had to do this and used the baking soda and vinegar. It was quick and fairly easy (on the chick...I was bawling the whole time). I'll find the link with more info and post it.

Here's the link. There's another link somewhere in there that has detailed instructions on how to do it

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=147192&p=1

Make SURE your bucket is air tight or it will take longer and be much more difficult.

 

[Festa X11]

Quote:
The way I showed my OH is to find a sharp edge like on a table, then firmly press their neck on it with your thumb you will feel the neck break, it is fast and I guess as painless as any other way of culling.

 

[Bubbles8i8]

Oh ok. I didn't know if the co2 method (vinegar and baking soda or dry ice) would work on birds/chickens. I use co2 in the form of dry ice to cull my exhibition mice.

Thanks!

 

[JCoogle]

I found I like the CO2 method as well. This is were I got my information.
http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/

 

[Daidohead]

Quote:
Anytime I have an animal die, or have to kill it, I bury them in my flower garden. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

 

[Festa X11]

Here in the UK burying any animal yourself is technically illegal especially with animals considered part of the livestock group.... something to do with water table contamination