Letting my broody raise 20 meaties. Now I have a rooster raising 50 CX chicks~new batch!

[gg706]

@Galanie So you cut the left side, then also cut the right side...to bleed them out faster? How long does it take them to pass out? How long does it take them to die? Do you think it is faster than a butcher block and ax?
@Beekissed I was thinking of ordering some nipples and putting them on a 5 gallon bucket....my chicks are already 4 weeks and have been using a regular ground chick waterer. Do you think they will learn to use the nipples? Do you think cutting both sides is better than a butcher block and ax?

 

[Beekissed]

@Galanie So you cut the left side, then also cut the right side...to bleed them out faster? How long does it take them to pass out? How long does it take them to die? Do you think it is faster than a butcher block and ax?
@Beekissed I was thinking of ordering some nipples and putting them on a 5 gallon bucket....my chicks are already 4 weeks and have been using a regular ground chick waterer. Do you think they will learn to use the nipples? Do you think cutting both sides is better than a butcher block and ax?

Won't hurt to try...if just one pecks at them and gets a response of water, they will all follow. If they don't peck, take one's beak and do it for them. Remove the other water source and monitor to see if they get the hang of it.

I think cutting the throat is easier and better than using the axe. When I was young we always used the axe and it was problematic and messy as the bird flops around the yard afterwards. Blood flies and the bird gets flecked with it...not necessary at all. When you use the axe on ducks and turkeys their necks are considerably tougher and thicker...so sometimes one whack didn't do it or sometimes we'd get off center on our mark and have to chop again. Not pretty.

 

[galanie]

@Galanie  So you cut the left side, then also cut the right side...to bleed them out faster? How long does it take them to pass out? How long does it take them to die?  Do you think it is faster than a butcher block and ax?
@Beekissed   I was thinking of ordering some nipples and putting them on a 5 gallon bucket....my chicks are already 4 weeks and have been using a regular ground chick waterer. Do you think they will learn to use the nipples?  Do you think cutting both sides is better than a butcher block and ax?

With both sides it takes less than 10 seconds to pass on and then the body starts to jerk around. Oh the butcher block and axe appears to give them an instant death but it does not, in my opinion. Ever watch the head after? Often the beak is moving. And like Bee said, they flop around the yard, etc. and I just think that is a really messy, awful death. I don't think they bleed out well that way either. I still remember my dad doing that when I was a kid and the legs on those birds were always purple looking with blood still in them. Yuk.

Keep in mind we're talking opinion here on methods of dispatch. If you feel like chopping the head off is more humane, then by all means, do what you're most comfortable with.

 

[gg706]

I have not done either..and have no opinion either way. I was just asking for my own personal information. It seems like the ax would be less personal and up close killing.....if that makes sense? But I want to do what is best for the birds, not for me, sounds like cutting both sides is the best way. 10 seconds is REALLY fast! I just got my first batch of chicks, they are 4 weeks old, and I know for a fact I have at least 3 roosters so far. I only made a small chicken tractor as I was not planning on keeping roosters. I was planning on butchering the roo's (this would be my first time butchering anything) However, now I find myself getting attached to them. Doesn't help that they are all different colors and personalities so I can tell them all apart. Not sure what I am going to do. I am thinking the roos will get obnoxious and I will be able to put them in my freezer.....guess time will tell! Thank You for the info!

 

[vfem]

Bee, where did you find the watering nipples? I think its time for an upgrade! We're getting massive water waste going on.

 

[Beekissed]

I got mine on Amazon but someone else found them cheaper on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Chicken-D...121?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1a4a72e1

for $3.66 and free shipping!

 

[vfem]

Thank you bee! I'm going to buy a few sets. Since I have 3 coops and 1 back-up pen (and soon 1 tractor coo) I should probably buy 25-30 of these. I got PLENTY of 3 and 5 gallon buckets for them. AWESOME!

 

[Beekissed]

Time to do a pic progression!

First day:



First week:



Second Week:



Third Week:



Fourth Week...today:



Comparison with DP roo of same age:



Front view...notice the CX does not have the typical splayed legs of this breed that is considered normal by this age in the growth.

 

[binders]

Love the pics!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to post them.

 

[gg706]

WOW THEY GROW FAST!!!! UNBELIEVEABLE! They look so healthy! Thanks for posting the pics!