Need help w/ not getting attatched to my meat birds. Any tips?

[Pullet Press]

(Big, dramatic, supposed to be inspiring speech) Over this COVID 19 pandemic, I've realized how important it is to be self-sufficient, and how blessed I was to already own laying hens. After hearing some things about how meat chickens (and any commercially-raised chickens) are raised, I've decided to eventually do meat birds.

I've watched YouTube videos on the subject and actually know people who use their chickens for meat, but I have a problem with getting attached to them too much, and I'll mourn the loss if we have to rehome/kill any of our roosters or if a day-old chick dies.

Does anyone have any tips on not getting attached to their meat chickens?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pullet Press]

Uh, anybody?

 

[Pullet Press]

Guess I'm just going to post to make sure this thread is seen.

 

[Molpet]

actually know people who use their chickens for meat,

I would suggest helping them on butchering day so you know what is involved.
Don't name them, don't handle them, don't get emotionally invested in them. They are food on the way not pets

 

[Pullet Press]

I would suggest helping them on butchering day so you know what is involved.
Don't name them, don't handle them, don't get emotionally invested in them. They are food on the way not pets

Thanks for the help.

 

[NatJ]

I have a problem with getting attached to them too much, and I'll mourn the loss if we have to rehome/kill any of our roosters or if a day-old chick dies.

Does anyone have any tips on not getting attached to their meat chickens?

--Start out knowing that you will eat them
--Have a "large" number (6 or more)
--Consider having ones that all look alike, so it's harder to recognize individuals
--Have some females to lay eggs, that you can easily tell apart from the meat chickens
--Plan your next chick order so you're thinking about it when butchering day comes.
--Take good care of them, so you know that they had a good life and a humane death

I find that eating the "only" chicken or the one "special" chicken is hard, but that I do fine if I can keep some "special" chickens (layers), or look forward to getting new, exciting chicks (next year's chickens.)

It's commonly accepted that pets are not disposable things, to be replaced when we get tired of them.
But for meat birds, I like that mindset: these chicks are cute, it's fun to watch them grow, now they're big and less fun, so we eat them and look forward to the next cute chicks. Yum, those were delicious!

 

[Pullet Press]

--Start out knowing that you will eat them
--Have a "large" number (6 or more)
--Consider having ones that all look alike, so it's harder to recognize individuals
--Have some females to lay eggs, that you can easily tell apart from the meat chickens
--Plan your next chick order so you're thinking about it when butchering day comes.
--Take good care of them, so you know that they had a good life and a humane death

I find that eating the "only" chicken or the one "special" chicken is hard, but that I do fine if I can keep some "special" chickens (layers), or look forward to getting new, exciting chicks (next year's chickens.)

It's commonly accepted that pets are not disposable things, to be replaced when we get tired of them.
But for meat birds, I like that mindset: these chicks are cute, it's fun to watch them grow, now they're big and less fun, so we eat them and look forward to the next cute chicks. Yum, those were delicious!

Thanks for the tips!

 

[De Bauer]

Number one rule and this is fully supported in science. DO NOT NAME THEM.

Even names like Nuggets or DrumStick.. Names create attachment and that is the opposite of the goal.

But there should be a certain amount of discomfort or sympathy IMO. If anything its a basic respect for life.

I think having the correct perspective helps.. These animals are not pets we have to put down or even wild animals we have chosen to harvest (which I have done my whole life and have no issue with as long as its used and not soley for trophy).. These animals from their very conception were meant as a dedicated food source.. Killing something should not make you feel good (unless your starving).. At the same time it should not overwhelm you with sorrow.

Done properly there is little to no pain or stress for the animal.. Being cut in soft tissue with a sharp blade is not painful. As humans its more knowing you were cut that creates the reaction.. The chicken then passes out within seconds from low blood pressure and lack of oxygen to the brain.. They then die sometimes having the death throw seizures/convulsions.. So done properly its actually a rather peaceful death.. Catching and handling the chickens is likely the highest stress for the chickens.

IMHO indifference is what you need to look out for.. Not caring either way...feeling nothing is not good.. They have done psychological testing on people that work the kill line or the "chain" for years at slaughterhouse facilities.. They found it can lead to sociopathic antisocial behavior etc and why its recommended to rotate those position regularly.

So do not feel bad for feeling sympathy just keep it in perspective so it does not overwhelm or cause you undo stress.

 

[LizzzyJo]

I would reiterate what has already been said and add a few.
1. No names
2. Don’t hang out with them. Care for them and then leave them alone.
3. Get the same breed and color
4. Get a true meat breed that will have serious growth issues if left to live so that you HAVE to harvest them for them to not suffer.
5. it’s supposed to hurt emotionally when you dispatch them. They are living beings and you’ve ended their lives. We feel bad because we respect life. We raise birds to eat because it is healthier and more sustainable. The minute you stop caring is the minute you have the real problem.
6. Don’t take pictures of them.
7. dont talk about ‘the chickens’ as in your layers and the meat birds. ALWAYS separate these two groups in your vocabulary.
good luck.