Humane Culling for Pet Chickens: Chopping Block or Kill Cone?

[rjohns39]

Can you still eat the birds if you use this method? Or will it taint the meat?

I would not, but that's not based on science.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

I would not, but that's not based on science.

I will probably just take my birds somewhere to be "processed" and pay the fee. Of course on the trip back I will NEED to have a lap full of cute new ones. Maybe if one is sick and NEEDS to be put down I would do it myself. But until I run into that problem...I prefer to be blissfully ignorant

 

[Henry&Friends]

I just watched the broomstick method video. It does seem quick for the bird. I still cant stand to see the squirming...why does that happen when you dislocate the spine? I would figure the bird would just go limp...then again I've never really ended a bird before. Will they squirm no matter what? Could you give them a sleeping pill and not have this happen?

They flail about because their nervous system basically panics and fires off every nerve it can. It’s like unplugging a tv or router, and the lights staying on for a few seconds- using the rest of what it’s got.

 

[Cyprus]

You need to give details here. Maybe you have a thread or article(or could make one) that spells it all out that you could link when needed?

That's exactly what I had hoped to do when we first decided to get them. But I have been completely unable to find a euthanization substance. What do you use and how do you acquire it?

I sure hope we can make that work. That would be my preferred method for sure.

This method is by far the most humane chemical method readily available to the public.
I had initially spared the details in case the OP didn't want to hear them. I was trying to be considerate. I would make an article about it, but I don't have pictures of my own related to the topic and I have no reason or means to get any. I could include pictures from the internet, but that's copyright infringement. I'll try to find a way.

Anyhow, here are the details in a spoiler. They're not gruesome, but I'll still hide them.

Spoiler: Chemical Euthanasia information

When I euthanize a bird, I choose to do so chemically. The product I use is starter fluid (Ether). This can be purchased over the counter at any place that sells automotive supplies.
You need a container that is slightly larger than the whole size of the bird. It must have a lid and be airtight. Place the bird in the container and lower the lid as much as possible while still leaving enough space to spray the Ether into the container. Spray long enough to see a visible sedation effect in the bird, then just a few seconds longer.
Close the lid and wait at least 5 minutes. This should work with the initial spray. It can be used on birds up to 7lbs, in my experience, but it requires more ether. For a 7lb hen we sprayed for 10 seconds. It was enough.
NOTE: If you plan to bury the euthanized bird, please bury them INSIDE some container like a box or bag. Ether will be present in the carcass and can poison a scavenger if they dig up the body.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

They flail about because their nervous system basically panics and fires off every nerve it can. It’s like unplugging a tv or router, and the lights staying on for a few seconds- using the rest of what it’s got.

I think I would feel better if I saw a scentific study of a MRI brain activity during the "death throes". I'd have to know they're in no pain. I'm a huge softy though. Always have been. My dad recalls me running out to the garden to prevent him from killing a mole. Now I have three traps set up to catch them because they tear up my yard. But everything takes place below ground. I never have to see it. I wont even touch the mouse and rat traps if we catch something. I got in a big fight with the SO last time I did...I let a ground squirrel go free. He was only caught by the paw! Now I just stay away from the traps. I dont want to look at them alive because they are going to die...and I dont want to look at them dead...because I feel responsible. Guess I at least know I'm not a sociopath

 

[Cyprus]

Phenobarbital is also an option, and about the same price as Ether. It is a sedative, and on the same spectrum as the kind that vets use for euthanasia. Vets use pentobarbital, but pentobarbital is not available to the public. Both pentobarbital and phenobarbital are anti-seizure medications used for the home treatment of epileptic dogs.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

This method is by far the most humane chemical method readily available to the public.
I had initially spared the details in case the OP didn't want to hear them. I was trying to be considerate. I would make an article about it, but I don't have pictures of my own related to the topic and I have no reason or means to get any. I could include pictures from the internet, but that's copyright infringement. I'll try to find a way.

Anyhow, here are the details in a spoiler. They're not gruesome, but I'll still hide them.

Spoiler: Chemical Euthanasia information

When I euthanize a bird, I choose to do so chemically. The product I use is starter fluid (Ether). This can be purchased over the counter at any place that sells automotive supplies.
You need a container that is slightly larger than the whole size of the bird. It must have a lid and be airtight. Place the bird in the container and lower the lid as much as possible while still leaving enough space to spray the Ether into the container. Spray long enough to see a visible sedation effect in the bird, then just a few seconds longer.
Close the lid and wait at least 5 minutes. This should work with the initial spray. It can be used on birds up to 7lbs, in my experience, but it requires more ether. For a 7lb hen we sprayed for 10 seconds. It was enough.
NOTE: If you plan to bury the euthanized bird, please bury them INSIDE some container like a box or bag. Ether will be present in the carcass and can poison a scavenger if they dig up the body.

This is like Schrodinger's* cat except with a chicken.

*editted to correct spelling

 

[Cyprus]

This is like Schroeder's cat except with a chicken.

What?

 

[Henry&Friends]

I think I would feel better if I saw a scentific study of a MRI brain activity during the "death throes". I'd have to know they're in no pain. I'm a huge softy though. Always have been. My dad recalls me running out to the garden to prevent him from killing a mole. Now I have three traps set up to catch them because they tear up my yard. But everything takes place below ground. I never have to see it. I wont even touch the mouse and rat traps if we catch something. I got in a big fight with the SO last time I did...I let a ground squirrel go free. He was only caught by the paw! Now I just stay away from the traps. I dont want to look at them alive because they are going to die...and I dont want to look at them dead...because I feel responsible. Guess I at least know I'm not a sociopath

That’s empathy and it’s great. But if you really think about it, everything’s gonna die anyways, so why not make what’s yours live longer at the cost of what’s killing yours?

At least, that’s how I look at it.

 

[Henry&Friends]

What

I think OP said this because you’re putting it in a container, and until you open it the cat (bird in this case) is both alive and dead.