Is there a thread for moral support for necessary culling?

[tlagnhoj]

Because I think I need it!

I have a gimpy RIR that will probably not do well with the existing flock. (Backstory: she injured her leg somehow and I integrated the other two RIR into the main flock to give the injured bird some alone time to recup and because it was just about time for integration anyway. Note on the injury: I still do not know what happened. She still limps and seems to have trouble bearing weight, but I don't know that it's a pain issue with bearing weight as much as it is that her leg is twisted at the hock and it doesn't bear weight well in that position. She is doing better, but not great). So today I have moved her outside with the flock. An otherwise healthy bird, she will be the bottom of the pecking order and I'm not sure her injury will give her a chance to escape. I'm beginning to think that flock dynamics mean she's better off culled than left to fend for herself.

I'm 90% of the way there, but haven't fully committed because I can't seem to find the courage to get it done. These aren't pets to me. And I've had to finish off baby bunnies that my dog mutilated. The cruel irony is that I would have no problem shooting her, but I live in an incorporated area and am prohibited from discharging a firearm. Obviously I want this to be quick and as humane as possible, but I really don't think I can break the neck. I read in another thread about using a 5 gallon bucket to drown, but I'm not sure about that either. I suppose part of the problem (aside from me being an incurable softie) is that excepting the issue with being in the flock, she's otherwise healthy and would do fine by herself and someone to give her the little extras to accommodate her gimp. If she were truly ill and destined for death because of that illness, this would probably be less gut-wrenching for me. Still difficult, but I could do it knowing it was necessary.

Any words of wisdom, suggestions, or thoughts?

 

[hogster160]

I'm new to chickens and probably won't be of much help. There is however a thread called Processing Day Support Group. Link below. Hopefully someone there can help you through this.

Deb

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ort-group-help-us-through-the-emotions-please

 

[Megan Amber]

Well, firstly I know it can be hard, I am eighteen and have had to cull several times and it never gets easier. The drowning method does work well, I wrap them completely in a towel so you can't see them and they can't see you and I use warm water to create less shock. I can't break necks either. Maybe she'd surprise you and do better than expected in the flock, but if not something to remember is that it would be less cruel to die quickly and humanely than to be pecked and starved to death. I am sorry, sending you internet hugs and support. The other thing, research co2 chambers, (homemade) you may be interested in doing that as well. Good Luck to you!

 

[jewels621]

I can just feel your ambivalence in your writing and I can relate. It really is a mindset. Get a plan in your head and then follow through. I did my first processing of meat birds this past Saturday and it helped me to have that step-by-step plan and then switch into "do-what-you-gotta-do" mode. I call that "my mechanical self". It isn't easy, but sometimes it's necessary. I hope all goes well.....if you have any questions, just ask. There are tons of supporters here for you!

 

[Mrs. K]

really a sharp knife is much easier than you might think, I put a fish net over a mean roo, pulled back on his comb and it was quick and easy.

But I do make the decision, and detach myself from those birds.

 

[fiberart57]

Drowning is not an easy, painless way to cull. Get a hatchet or a machete or a big knife, make sure it's sharp and do the deed. It helps to have a bucket to put over her to contain the death throes.

You say that she's otherwise healthy; eating and all that. Can you fence her a portion of the chicken yard and just let her out for a short while in the evening?

The only ones I've ever had to kill were very sick and ready to go.
Mary

 

[bobbi-j]

Boy, I totally understand your dilemma. Only it's my dog in that position and not a chicken. He has tumors growing in his mouth (vet says there's nothing to do) and eventually they'll affect his eating and possibly breathing. Right now, he seems to be comfortable, not showing any signs of pain or discomfort. Yesterday he even caught a rabbit and a mouse - he's a better mouser than my cat! Given that, it's hard to make that decision to put him down. DH and I have agreed, though, that if he looks to be in pain or start having difficulty with eating, drinking or breathing, that's it. Now for your chicken - have you tried putting in with the flock to see how it goes? Are you able to give her a separate place of her own? Does she appear to be in pain? If she's in obvious pain and it doesn't appear that it will heal, I'd put her down immediately. If you can put her in with the flock without too much trouble, why not let her hang out with them? If you do decide to put her down, please do so in the quickest most humane way possible. Here, it's the hatchet and stump method. One quick chop and it's over. Yes, it's messier than some other ways, and you actually have to watch it happen (or take a chance on losing a limb), but it's done in a matter of seconds. Putting them in the freezer, wrapping them in a towel so you can't see them, or building a "gas chamber" for them is, in my opinion, more for the comfort of the person than the chicken. Good luck with your girl. Maybe you can find a way to keep her. If not, I for one support your decision to do what's best for your bird.

 

[nbenevento]

Is she the only RIR in the flock? If so, you might be surprised at how well she might do. RIR's frequently top the pecking order, gimp or no gimp. Another option to make things easier for you is to give it away. Put an ad on Craigslist or something like that. Someone just may take her. She may be an egg layer for them or dinner, but either way, you don't have to do the deed and are relatively guilt free.

 

[barnaclebob]

Drowning???? Are you for real? Do whats best for the chicken and not for yourself for christs sake. If you cant bring yourself to properly kill a chicken by cutting its head off or pricking its artery you shouldn't own them plain and simple.

 

[Megan Amber]

Drowning???? Are you for real? Do whats best for the chicken and not for yourself for christs sake. If you cant bring yourself to properly kill a chicken by cutting its head off or pricking its artery you shouldn't own them plain and simple.

Actually they do drown rather quick. It's the way the birds are made that makes it so fast