I have some concerns about supporting hatcheries...

[TubbyChicken]

Quote:
I don't intend to flame anyone!

I, too, am literally a backyard chicken owner. I have houses surrounding mine and neighbors on either side of my backyard. I'm not able to have roosters either and have had to rehome several. In my first attempt at establishing a flock I bought from a man who had diseased birds...all had to be rehomed, I had to sanitize and start over from scratch.

I learned my lesson then, my next chickens came from the hatchery. There are several concerns that I have about hatcheries...The disregard for humane euthanasia is just one of many...However, seeing my birds, that deviate a great deal from breed standards in both confirmation and temperament, has helped push me toward seeking better options for acquiring my birds.

Seeing as how I also can not have roos, my dilemma lies in doing what is the most convenient and sacrificing several principles that I disagree with...OR seeking another option (the reason for starting this thread).

My suggestions about what I thought the chicks could be used for had little to no basis on anything more than my (admittedly naive) spur of the moment conclusions. I should re-emphasize that my problem is not that the chicks are being put down...but HOW they are being killed. That is what I feel uncomfortable with. Just as many members here are disgusted with the inhumane conditions of battery hens in commercial egg laying production, I was upset and disgusted to read of how some of the male chicks were killed. I suppose in starting this thread I expected some people to disagree with my decision, and I really appreciate the respectful input. I haven't seen any posts that defend specific hatcheries and their practice of disposal...if anyone has specific information about how a specific hatchery kills unwanted males, I would be happy to learn more.

In the mean time I'm still interested in researching the straight run hatcheries that focus on health and quality and pursuing some local resources.

 

[cwc362]

Quote:
I don't intend to flame anyone!

I, too, am literally a backyard chicken owner. I have houses surrounding mine and neighbors on either side of my backyard. I'm not able to have roosters either and have had to rehome several. In my first attempt at establishing a flock I bought from a man who had diseased birds...all had to be rehomed, I had to sanitize and start over from scratch.

I learned my lesson then, my next chickens came from the hatchery. There are several concerns that I have about hatcheries...The disregard for humane euthanasia is just one of many...However, seeing my birds, that deviate a great deal from breed standards in both confirmation and temperament, has helped push me toward seeking better options for acquiring my birds.

Seeing as how I also can not have roos, my dilemma lies in doing what is the most convenient and sacrificing several principles that I disagree with...OR seeking another option (the reason for starting this thread).

My suggestions about what I thought the chicks could be used for had little to no basis on anything more than my (admittedly naive) spur of the moment conclusions. I should re-emphasize that my problem is not that the chicks are being down...but HOW they are being killed. That is what I feel uncomfortable with. Just as many members here are disgusted with the inhumane conditions of battery hens in commercial egg laying production, I was upset and disgusted to read of how some of the male chicks were killed. I suppose in starting this thread I expected some people to disagree with my decision, and I really appreciate the respectful input. I haven't seen any posts that defend specific hatcheries and their practice of disposal...if anyone has specific information about how a specific hatchery kills unwanted males, I would be happy to learn more.

In the mean time I'm still interested in researching the straight run hatcheries that focus on health and quality and pursuing some local resources.

Very well put- Wish I could express myself that well in writing!!

 

[texas_chick]

My first chick purchase was from a hatchery because like you my neighborhood won't allow me to have roosters.
I was really disappointed in the mail order chick transaction.
My second purchase was from a local breeder that I found on Craiglist and she was wonderful.
If I need chicks again I would definitely consider local sources again over mass production.

Like you I also understand that not all birds will find homes but there's a huge difference between most economical disposal and humane euthanasia.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I just wanted to put this out there...

I know of a breeder who euthanizes his extra cockerel chicks by drowning them. I would personally prefer the methods of the hatcheries as opposed to being drowned in a 5 gallon bucket...

No. I will not give out that specific breeder's information so please do not ask.

 

[chickeepoo]

I don't know much about this, but just out of curiosity- is the sex of the chick determined by the temperature during incubation? I thought I read that when I was getting info to build my incubators at home. If that were the case, some adjustments in the commercial incubators could lower the number of cockerel chicks being hatched… but that sounds too easy to be true…

 

[Katy]

I think that only works with some reptiles

 

[cwc362]

Quote:
Yeah I think you are right but I'm no expert. I have seen some nature channels that incubate crocodile and alligator at certain temperatures to get more females. But I don't think it works with chickens . This would save hatcheries untold amounts of money and maybe us consumers too .

Wayne
n
Tennessee

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
If sex could be controlled to any extent by hatching conditions like temperature etc. you can bet commercial hatcheries would have figured it out long time ago.

 

[EweSheep]

Drowning is not long but cutting off heads or smashing or breaking would be the quickest way to cull chicks. I also do spray method as well.

Even the hatcheries will send me some male chicks for warmth, and got no takers for these chicks ahead of time, I immediately put them down and it saves time, money and aggravation in trying to find homes for roosters. Not too many folks want roosters but only hens.

 

[Cara]

Not all hatcheries do euthanize rooster chicks. Meyer and My Pet Chicken send any extras to auction, to give them the chance at leading some kind of a productive life. Sexed chicks does not always equal euthanized day old roosters.

When hatcheries do euthanize chicks, it is in their best interest to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible. Certain groups will of course doctor the facts in order to gain support for their agenda, which in most cases is to prevent anyone from owning any kind of livestock.

Whenever I have spare male chicks/cockerels I offer them free to anyone who wants them. The way things are at the moment, there are plenty of people needing a cheaper way to feed their family.