Gabby, that's news to me, I've always heard cervical dislocation promoted as the most humane method, that it caused instant death, recommended by veteranarians & other animal handlers. I use a different method when butchering meat birds, but have always broken the necks of ones I had to cull for other reasons. It just seemed too sad & messy to chop dear old feathered friends, and besides, I have a hard time severing the heads with one neat blow of an axe.
And Beth, I know what you're talking about, I do any culling of my flock by myself. I spend the bird's last moments holding her gently and talking to her nicely, and take her to a pleasant place in the butterfly garden for her last look at life. The only help I ask for from husband or sons is to dig a deep hole under the drip line of a favorite bush or tree. Then my feathered friend can, in a way, continue to live by helping the plant to grow.
And Beth, I know what you're talking about, I do any culling of my flock by myself. I spend the bird's last moments holding her gently and talking to her nicely, and take her to a pleasant place in the butterfly garden for her last look at life. The only help I ask for from husband or sons is to dig a deep hole under the drip line of a favorite bush or tree. Then my feathered friend can, in a way, continue to live by helping the plant to grow.