Not to be insensitive; when babies have to be culled.

[PegramPoultryProprietor]

I know as well as many of you do that hatch eggs, there are times when a newly hatched chick is obviously not going to make it. Deciding how to remove it can be very traumatic to some people and it’s not one of my favorite tasks either. I will tell you that when I do have to remove a little sweetie I have found the quickest and least painful way for both me and the chick is this; First I wrap them in a paper towel, give them a nice kiss, tell them I’m sorry, place the wrapped chick in a plastic shopping bag, place then in the freezer, and go far away from there for a little while. I’m sure they don’t last very long and shouldn’t be any more painful than a human dying from hypothermia. I hope this doesn’t sound cruel; but with babies it works for me. Isn’t it funny how much different we feel about a baby chicken than an older mean rooster?

 

[chicmom]

I do the exact same thing..........I give them a cuddle, and tell them how sorry I am, and then they go into a paper lunch bag and into the freezer.......I just can't bear to snip their necks or step on them or whatever.......

 

[conny63malies]

Have you ever thought about using CO 2?
here is a link on how to make and use it, incl on a small set up.
http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/

 

[rancher hicks]

I hate to admit it but me too.

One thing I've learned is to make the decision to cull quickly. The longer you wait the worse it is. Newborn chicks are fragile.

 

[202roosterlane]

I know there will come a day where I am must do this but it makes me tear up just thinking about it. I just wonder what is the fastest, least painful way to do this?

 

[RedDrgn]

That's a very good way to do it - with most small endotherms, actually. It's quick.

 

[TedJan92_in_Idaho]

I would guess freezing to death would be a painful way to go. Just enough to cause frostbite is very painful

 

[PegramPoultryProprietor]

Quote:
I have though about that or some other kind of gas but all I see is a baby gasping for air. I'm sure it's quick as well. I just wanted the new people to know they aren't going through something we all haven't had to deal with; just my suggestion.

 

[RedDrgn]

Quote:
It's actually pretty quick with small animals (assuming your freezer is working) - they don't have a chance for frostbite, they just shut down.

 

[twentynine]

Gosh!
No judgement on the pros or cons of the freezer.

I simply without drama snip their head off with a pair of shears. Death is instantaneous. On a day old you may get a drop of blood. But it's over and done with.