Processing Day Support Group ~ HELP us through the Emotions PLEASE!

[mich9510]

I culled one of my cockerels today. He is the first chicken that I've raised from a day old chick that I've culled. It was tough. I've killed and processed ducks before but I only had them for a few months and they were already adults. It was quick and humane but I still feel bad. He's resting for a few days in the fridge and will then become our dinner.

 

[fisherlady]

I culled one of my cockerels today. He is the first chicken that I've raised from a day old chick that I've culled. It was tough. I've killed and processed ducks before but I only had them for a few months and they were already adults. It was quick and humane but I still feel bad. He's resting for a few days in the fridge and will then become our dinner.

It is an unpleasant reality of chicken keeping...I am glad you were willing to come here to share though, your experience may help someone else facing the same situation. It is not easy, and taking of a life never should be, but understanding the need to do it, and seeing the improved situation afterwards (such as when hens are being assaulted) will help you get through it.

 

[BullChick]

I culled one of my cockerels today. He is the first chicken that I've raised from a day old chick that I've culled. It was tough. I've killed and processed ducks before but I only had them for a few months and they were already adults. It was quick and humane but I still feel bad. He's resting for a few days in the fridge and will then become our dinner.

I'm proud of you!

 

[mich9510]

Thanks for the support. I'm really glad this thread is here. I may have to cull another cockerel (I have 2 left). We'll see if they knock each other off of the pullets during mating. I don't want to risk injured girls. The cockerel that I culled was second in the pecking order but he wasn't happy about it. I have the alpha and the lowest cockerel left. Its going to take a little time to see how the group dynamic changes.

 

[the poppster]

Thanks for the support. I'm really glad this thread is here. I may have to cull another cockerel (I have 2 left). We'll see if they knock each other off of the pullets during mating. I don't want to risk injured girls. The cockerel that I culled was second in the pecking order but he wasn't happy about it. I have the alpha and the lowest cockerel left. Its going to take a little time to see how the group dynamic changes.

I've been there!!! Can't have a constant tension between two cockrels/Roos in the flock...it affects the whole flock...every one is on edge...I've culled many cockrels/Roos over the past years...due to stress within the flock...it's amazing how quickly the flock relaxes once the miscreants are removed from the mix...if you've chosen the right one or ones to remove, the group sigh of relief is obvious. I never look forward to having to do it...but it must be done, if you allow them to reproduce...extra cockrels you will have...and for the health of your flock, you have to give the extras away or put them in the cooking pot. One way or another, you do it with respect and as little fuss as possible. You might feel bad about it, Its never easy, but they are your responsibly and I'm proud of you for your taking it on. Good for you.

 

[mich9510]

It's crazy but I said to my husband today "just look at how active and playful they are today"" I thought maybe it was just me....like it was too soon to see the group dynamic change.
Even my small flock of AC/SH are more energetic.

 

[fisherlady]

It's crazy but I said to my husband today "just look at how active and playful they are today"" I thought maybe it was just me....like it was too soon to see the group dynamic change.
Even my small flock of AC/SH are more energetic.

Not crazy at all...we notice the difference almost immediately when we cull a problem cockerel...the 'sigh of relief' seems very apparent when you are tuned into the flock's behavior.

 

[the poppster]

It's crazy but I said to my husband today "just look at how active and playful they are today"" I thought maybe it was just me....like it was too soon to see the group dynamic change.
Even my small flock of AC/SH are more energetic.

Weird eh? No one having to be on the lookout for over sexed cockrels...no more arguing...no more one ups upmanship going on...it's almost magical...in the past I have found myself "sitting the fence" stalling about culling trouble causing cockrels...the first time I made a snap decision,to cull, was hearing a hen scream as a cockrel cornered her and to see his buddy run to join in!!! That was it!!! Off with their heads!!! Never regretted it.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Ordering my first round of meaties. I will be doing all processing myself. Should I start with 10 or 15?

 

[fisherlady]

Ordering my first round of meaties.   I will be doing all processing myself.  Should I start with 10 or 15?

I would go with 15 if you have the room...answered in detail on the Pa thread.