Need hatchet help, please don't judge.

[bbond]

The trick is getting them in position?

A Y-stick secured to hold them steady. I've also read a string tied around the neck and looped on a nail to stretch the neck. Then a quick blow.

Would a broomstick hold them in position for the hatchet? Do you have a stout chopping block? End of a tree stump? This doesn't work on grass or soft dirt.

Could also try a rap on the head to stun them for a moment. Again, no hesitation. Have you considered tree pruners or limb loppers?

I made a cone from a plastic jug. The jug holds the body while my left hand controls the head for a quick slit.

Not a pleasant experience and I hope you find an easier way for both of you. Kindest wishes.

DO NOT USE LOPPERS I know this from experience. Almost made me into a vegetarian. It was awful and I had to run for the axe. Maybe an assistant would be helpful?

 

[RUNuts]

Were the loppers the anvil type? Yes, I should have specified a sharp pair of cross cut and not anvil type. Some use the tubing cutters, but this may require large hands. Sharp is necessary. Ratchet type are not desired either.

Thank you @bbond for contributing.

 

[bbond]

Were the loppers the anvil type? Yes, I should have specified a sharp pair of cross cut and not anvil type. Some use the tubing cutters, but this may require large hands. Sharp is necessary. Ratchet type are not desired either.

Thank you @bbond for contributing.

I used bypass loppers, which I thought were sharp. There may be a technique to it? I’m just scarred from the experience. I know you wouldn’t be giving bad advice, just had to share my experience. Now whenever we have to put a bird down we use the headshot. I’m going to be processing meaties for the first time soon and I’m really nervous about it but three of my friends are as well so we are going to do it together. So hoping everything goes okay and we have some nice healthy home grown chicken.

 

[potatoesgonnapotate]

I've learned in my very short time in the chicken realm that everyone cares about their birds. Even when we slaughter them, everyone respects and wants the quickest, least painful way to go. Even when it's not perfect, our intentions are to make it so. We all have to learn somewhere, and things won't always go as planned. I hope you don't feel judged by anyone. I personally have a cone setup for slaughtering my chickens, and a very sharp knife to cut the blood vessels in their necks with. I've read that cutting into the grain of wood (as some others mentioned) when cutting the heads clean off worked well. Good luck in the future

 

[trudyg]

I'm terrible aim with hatchet or even a cleaver. We did a head shot once and it spooked the other birds so , if you try it, go where they can't see it. My bad, first timer..... Now I loop a string around their feet and hang it from a nail in a tree. Give them time to pass out, then a utility knife blade to cut the vein. Then the loppers to take off the head. In the end, do what works for you. I've made a real mess in the past and am good at the killing now, just not very at the actual butchering. Seems the skin gets all sticky...

 

[WVduckchick]

I have horrible aim also. I have to position a knife or cleaver on the neck, then hit the knife/cleaver with a block of wood or a hammer. I can't chop kindling wood worth a darn! Can never hit the same spot twice. So I figure I'd cut a finger off trying to whack a bird's neck. I cover the bird first, so they are usually more calm. Can't imagine doing a duck or very large bird this way. They get the .22 with a shot shell.

 

[ChickenyChickeny]

I'm terrible aim with hatchet or even a cleaver. We did a head shot once and it spooked the other birds so , if you try it, go where they can't see it. My bad, first timer..... Now I loop a string around their feet and hang it from a nail in a tree. Give them time to pass out, then a utility knife blade to cut the vein. Then the loppers to take off the head. In the end, do what works for you. I've made a real mess in the past and am good at the killing now, just not very at the actual butchering. Seems the skin gets all sticky...

...is it the most humane to let them pass out? why not just cut their vein first? maybe I am missing a point here

 

[cottontail farm]

...is it the most humane to let them pass out? why not just cut their vein first? maybe I am missing a point here

In my experience a chicken will pass out within about 5 seconds of being turned upside down, When I take them off the roost I turn them upside down first thing - by the time we get out the pen gate they're totally out. Waterfowl not so much

 

[cottontail farm]

I've learned in my very short time in the chicken realm that everyone cares about their birds. Even when we slaughter them, everyone respects and wants the quickest, least painful way to go. Even when it's not perfect, our intentions are to make it so. We all have to learn somewhere, and things won't always go as planned. I hope you don't feel judged by anyone. I personally have a cone setup for slaughtering my chickens, and a very sharp knife to cut the blood vessels in their necks with. I've read that cutting into the grain of wood (as some others mentioned) when cutting the heads clean off worked well. Good luck in the future

Thank you. Yep, we all care about our birds or we wouldn't be doing it. I felt like crap about the whole thing - judged by myself - even though I keep telling myself my great grandparents would have just called it "getting dinner".

 

[aesch]

I know this is an old thread but hopefully someone will have an answer for this: is there a way to test a hatchet or cleaver to make sure it will cut through the feathers and tissue before doing the actual deed? I have a couple boys that have to go and they're Brahmas about 9 months and I want to do this quickly and efficiently. Thanks in advance.