How to handle having to cull flock?

[Bawkbok]

We set up a small cooler with a nitrogen hose hooked to the emptying port. He welds, so we always have nitrogen available. We covered her eyes and wrapped her in a comfy blanket so she was comfortable and not struggling and put her in the cooler. It was obviously still dark so she didn't move. We went really slow with the nitrogen so it wasn't a sudden alert for her body. We let it go for probably about 10 minutes. We heard one tap on the inside just once, but she was still wrapped when we got her out, so she didn't flap or anything crazy. I'll have to ask my husband if he still has the info he found so I can share that. Our girl had been having seizures and was so weak at the end. I'm not sure how well this method would work for a live and we'll bird. Debating trying a mask of sorts the next time since ours are all used to being held. Here's a link that had given us the idea. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/nitrogen-euthanasia.934727/

Thank you for sharing the process and for the link. It is good to understand the various options and methods and to hear what works for others. Such a morbid uncomfortable subject but unfortunately, necessary. I appreciate your response.

 

[coach723]

As @WingItRanch said, the loppers matter. I bought a dedicated lopper, not inexpensive (actually a Stihl, they are lightweight and easy to handle, never had a bad experience with them), one that I can handle easily. It is only used for culling my birds, never for anything else. It's kept clean, oiled, and sharp, so it's ready when needed.