how to kill a chicken?

[Thebossbaby]

hey guys, my neighbors have 4 to many roosters and they would like me to kill them for them, they clean them they just can't actually kill it. I don't have a sharp hatchet, but could a machete work? also I have heard of ringing its neck, but that seems like it won't work 100 percent of the time. I don't want these birds to suffer, and no, I don't have a cone to do the jugular method in. also, I've seen someone use the "broom stick" method, and thats where u put the chickens head under a stick, then step on each side and pull her legs. but if the head comes off, title get blood all over the body. I have no issues with blood, but thats not something her kids need to see. they won't be out there with me but still, when I bring the dead chicken to her... u know what I mean. so yeah basically can I ring its neck? or should I use a sharp machete? thanks!

 

[PirateGirl]

This article outlines some of the methods commonly used.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chickens-euthanasia.73576/

I would recommend doing further reading as well as a youtube video search on whichever method sounds like it may work best for you. We all have our comfort level and different tools available, so what works for one person may not be your best option. Good luck. I hope all goes smoothly for you.

 

[Kessel23]

A nice, heavy, and sharp machete will work. I use an ax to chop their heads, blood still can get on you with that method so be careful.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Kill cone and slit the throat sounds like your best method.

Some people can insert a knife up through the chicken's mouth and into its brain. Never had much success with that method myself.

My father can grab a chicken by the neck and just toss it like an overhand pitch, without letting go. Breaks the neck, then stomps on the head to make sure they're dead. I don't have the upper body strength/will/practice to do that, so I prefer sharp objects.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

You can do the cone method without a cone as long as you tie the feet up Andy hang them. Use a small short blade knife and slit the jugular. Then insert the knife in the mouth and push into the brain cavity and give a quarter turn. You’ll hear a squawk and a flap of feathers.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The best method is the method you will feel most confident using.....Ifor example, i am not confident enough in my ability to use cervical dislocation on a mature bird, so, for me, decapitation with a hatchet (axe feels unwieldy to me, machete felt too light and awkward, hatchet felt comfortable and manageable) using the two screws to hold the head in place was my choice.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

The machete will work. I use a sharp cleaver

My general method is like this:

• put a nail into a post or tree, up where you want to hang the bird by it's feet
• then put a nail low on the post or tree (almost to the ground)
• tie the bird by the feet
• then take a length of twine or rope (shown green in my illustration) and loop it around the chicken's neck
• then looping the twine around the lower nail, pull that down to stretch out the neck
• strike the bird with the machete, swinging toward the post or tree, so that the post/tree is the backstop
• strike it in the neck as close to the head as you can
• if no cone is used, expect a lot of wing flopping

 

[Thebossbaby]

thanks guys!!! I don't want the chickens to suffer. I have lots of upper body stength so I will probably try to ring to avoid blood, but if I see he is struggling or not dead at all then Ill cut the head off just to make sure. don't want the birds to suffer. first time btw, are home grown chickens more tasty then store bought?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

thanks guys!!! I don't want the chickens to suffer. I have lots of upper body stength so I will probably try to ring to avoid blood, but if I see he is struggling or not dead at all then Ill cut the head off just to make sure. don't want the birds to suffer. first time btw, are home grown chickens more tasty then store bought?

Definitely are. Good luck with ringing their necks. That is more of a skill than just being strong.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

thanks guys!!! I don't want the chickens to suffer. I have lots of upper body stength so I will probably try to ring to avoid blood, but if I see he is struggling or not dead at all then Ill cut the head off just to make sure. don't want the birds to suffer. first time btw, are home grown chickens more tasty then store bought?

Keep in mind there is a difference between "wringing" and cervical dislocation.