Not getting emotionally attached

[malignstar]

I don't have chickens, quail, ducks, etc yet but I'm struggling with the horrific thought that I will buy the eggs, hatch them out, raise them up and when it comes down to it, not be able to butcher them (and have 100 birds eating me out of house and home). No one in my family is a grow-it-yourselfer and so I have never been exposed to this type of lifestyle. I have watched several killing videos and some make me very, very queasy. I want to do this, but I am afraid I will end up becoming attached. How did everyone else deal with this situation? I'm sure if I was raised with the "animals are for our table- now go out and kill a chicken for dinner" mentality I wouldn't be posting this now. Is there any easy way to look at those little babies and 8 weeks later send them to the freezer? Is it easier to just not think about it until the day it needs to be done or do you kinda prepare yourself everyday until it comes?

 

[LarryPQ]

First: Name all your roos "I am going to eat you". It helps.

Second: Take comfort in the fact you will be spoiling them rotten, giving them nothing but love and respect their entire lives. They will live much better lives than any bird you buy shrink-wrapped in a store.

 

[suzettex5]

Well, mine are for eggs not eating, but I dont get attatched to them all. I often sell if I have to many, or dont like one speciffically. You could just get yourself one or 2 birds just for yourself to love, then have the rest for meat. Dont play with, or talk sweet to the eaters, if that helps. Sometimes a certain bird will endear itsself to you, maybe you could decide upfront if you want to have a special one to lavish love on and not eat. I would also consider finding someone to butcher for you, you could offer them $, or just a certain amount of the birds, that way everyone wins.

Some folks are not cut out to butcher (I'm one of them, I'll let someone else kill, but I'll be happy to eat them) other people say its only the first few times that are bad, then it gets easier. Anticipation can be worse than the actual deed, I'm told. I have over 50 chickens right now, but only about 5 I would not part with no matter what. You may find you dont get attached to any at all, then you wont have to worry about eating your 'pets', because youre not attatched.

I wish you good luck on your new venture!

 

[Ang]

I grew up on a farm and I have had people ask me how I don't get attached. I think it is 100% a mindset. If you go into the venture knowing that these animals are only with you for a short time and their purpose is to feed your family, it is a whole lot easier to deal with the butchering. Do not name them. Do not make pets of them. Give them feed, water and proper shelter. It is really a sterile process that does not involve emotion. I know not everyone will agree with me on this but it is how I deal with it.

 

[cassie]

When it comes to butchering day, don't think about it at all. Just do it. I couldn't kill anything fo most of my life. Now I'm the one that kills and processes the chickens. It is not fun, but it is necessary.

 

[Shifty Joe]

So, when it comes to the "do it yourself part".... if you can't do the deed, you might be able contact a local butcher to do it for you. I've heard it's about $2 per bird.

As to avoid becoming attached, why don't you order two "special" hens that are just for egg laying (Easter Eggers might be a good choice). It helps to have a bird or two that will have the best life possible when it comes to getting rid of the other 98.

Just my thoughts.

 

[malignstar]

Does it help to have minimal contact with them too? Feed, water, clean the brooder when young and move the tractors when older and that's it? Or will that make it traumatic for them and a PITA for me when they need to be caught for slaughter?

 

[LarryPQ]

I think it is better to handle them often. Others will different opinions.

If nothing else it helps you when you need to catch them, apply medicines, etc.

 

[Ang]

Listen, the bottom line is you are going to have to figure out the best way for you to deal with it. If minimal contact outside of caring for them works, then that is what you do. If you think you can steel your emotions the day of slaughter, then go ahead and get friendly with them. No one in their right mind enjoys the killing of an animal. We all have our ways of doing what we have to do to get the job done. All you can do is give it a try and see how it works for you. You might find it is easier than you thought or that there is no way you will ever be able to do it again. Good luck.

I'm curious what sort of chickens are you hatching out that you will be butchering in 8 weeks?

 

[malignstar]

The quail for sure will be butchered at 8 weeks. I am not set on the type of chicken I want yet. I don't like the thought of cornish x's necessarily but the freedom rangers take longer, though consuming less feed. I'm in a bit of a different position than most though. I cannot send them to a processor as I need them whole. They are for my dogs and cats to eat. I actually get very sick eating poultry, LOL.