I can't cull! What is wrong with me???

[mom4morecritters]

When I started out in this world of chickens just a few short months ago, I never intended to have cockerels. When it turned out that most of the Bantams from my first batch were cockerels I slowly began to learn that they couldn't all live together. Now I have a bachelor pad, which is fine for now. I don't have anything set up for them for the winter, and I don't plan to do anything about it either!

Yesterday I noticed that one of my 9 week old Bantam cockerels is VERY aggressive already. He was even attacking 10 week old standard pullets. I separated him from everyone else and now I just don't know what to do with him. I told my husband he has to kill him, but I said the same thing a few weeks ago about the 4 cockerels who are living in the bachelor pad!

I didn't get into this wonderful world of chicken raising to end up having to KILL any of them! I know what NEEDS to be done, I just can't seem to do it.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???

 

[Shared Acres]

I feel your pain!

Maybe he just needs to go to a new home?

 

[MaineChickens]

Nothing is wrong with you. It takes a certain mindset to be able to take a life. Some can do it, some cant. Those that can't are wise to "give away" their excess roo's to someone who will either love them, or eat them.

Giving away falls into the category of culling. Culling doesn't mean killing.

Post a free roosters ad on your local swap board of choice or freecycle, craigslist, etc. Someone will take them.

 

[Chicabee19]

I'll try almost anything once.

Maybe you can try it one time so you can see for yourself how it's going to be.

After that one time, if you find it's not for you, then you can decide if you want to re-home the little guys.

 

[M@M@2four]

Thank the Lord...I thought I was the only one. I have too many turkeys and need to do something with them..and don't get me started on roosters. Marlinchaser was kind enough to even point me to a local lady who, "takes care of them for you." It's just killing me to actually go through with it. I had all intentions and just, "chickened out"(no pun intended).

It's just I've raised them from babies...named them, and have developed bonds with some of them. The thought that I choose when or if they die kills me. lol I know that sounds pretty sad. I am a meat eater, but just the thought of me doing it kills me...

 

[magikchick]

I got 8 roos from a neighbor with the intent of using them for meat. Well after 2 months my DH asked me when I was going to put them in the freezer. I ended up giving them away. So much for the big brave chicken killer.

 

[austinhart123]

once it attacks u, u will be less sensitive

 

[Zookeeper9000]

I will share with you the # 1 farming rule

IF YOU PLAN ON EATING IT DON'T NAME IT!

There that should help you. # 2 farming rule


CALL SOMEONE ELSE TO HARVEST IT FOR YOU!


Now that should take care of all your hard farming needs. I live by this rule. The lady who helped me took home a Blue Orp Roo for her troubles he is happy and healthy growing out his tail at her house. Yep I named him Mr Blue Butt and then when it came time to do the deed, I too chickened out and so didn't she. So home with her he went.

 

[Scrambled Egg]

I will share with you the # 1 farming rule

IF YOU PLAN ON EATING IT DON'T NAME IT!

There that should help you. # 2 farming rule


CALL SOMEONE ELSE TO HARVEST IT FOR YOU!

I think those are sensible rules!! I believe I would become a vegetarian if I lived on a farm and had to tend to the critters everyday.....my husband, howver, did grow up on a farm and they never had a problem with naming the pigs they raised and butchered. Guess it's a mind set...one I dont have, can't even eat deer meat without gagging!!​

 

[banter]

We just have a retirement home for poultry-SOB!