Killing a chicken in front of my other chickens?

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

If I kill (broomstick method) a chicken in front of my other chickens will they know what I've done and be scared of me? - So it would be better to take the chicken away from the flock so they can't see me killing it?
Just thinking this because I need to get rid of my rooster that isn't fertilising and he's a skittish boy so better I grab him off the roost at night to do the deed and easier to do it right there, in front of the roosts.

 

[Brooks_]

I've read that the flock is usually ok with it. I do not cull, for any reason, in front of the flock. Mostly for me.

 

[bill3607]

I do not cull. However, I have seen how chickens that witnessed a predator attack are traumatized. So, at night off the roost..... maybe, possibly would be a bit less of a nightmare for them, but I really believe I would get him off the roost and take him out of sight

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I've got some that follow me to the compost pile where the deed is being donebso they can eat blood covered leaves. They'll be fine after a few hours

 

[bill3607]

I've got some that follow me to the compost pile where the deed is being donebso they can eat blood covered leaves. They'll be fine after a few hours

Now that right there is cold-blooded lol. But, it is a chicken. Besides there has been a lot worse done by humans, uh.

 

[wyoDreamer]

My chickens stood at their run fence watching as we butchered 25 broilers about 15 feet away. It was like reality TV for them, all they needed was a tub of popcorn to be totally content, lol.
The broomstick method is not bloody and traumatic, so they will probably be OK. If the rooster gets flappy and squacky, then they may get upset.

 

[Chickassan]

They have eyes so I'm going to say yes.
I've always done it out of sight as a common courtesy but it all boils down to the individual and what their conscience can deal with.
Mine is full so I'd hand out blindfolds, ear plugs and tiny cigarettes at this point not to cause myself additional grief.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Now that right there is cold-blooded lol. But, it is a chicken. Besides there has been a lot worse done by humans, uh.

They learned young to, have a hen that always takes her chicks there when she sees us heading there.

 

[Sueby]

I had a bobcat get one in front of the flock - no one seemed to care too much about any of it, they didn't even walk around the blood & feathers before I could clean it up.

 

[jameverywhere]

I culled a feral rooster today (not part of my flock) using the broomstick method and I wasn't even thinking about my flock when I did it. Two of my flock few over the fence (they were also in the trap I pulled him from, so they were scared from the trap and from his panicked squawking). I, um, accidentally pulled his whole head off when I killed him instead of just severing the spinal cord. The two that are too fat to fly over the fence stayed far away. I wonder if they were frightened of the flopping, headless body?? They were skittish when I tried to feed them treats later--while they ate out of my hand, they did NOT let me pick them up, even though they usually do.

I'm hoping they'll calm down and forget soon. I recommend killing your birds where your flock can't see you just in case though.