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

[Tomtommom]

Yep...what she said.

The whole process can go as calmly as you want it to go~ or as noisy, messy and stressful as you want to make it. I like my processing days to be quiet and serene, so all movements are deliberate and unhurried, all birds given a chance to calm down before being placed in the cone and a moment to become adjusted after being placed there. Death is bad enough without turning it into a stress filled squawk fest.

Agreed.

..the barred rocks are sweet and dont mind being handled, the two white rocks SCREAM if you so much look at them.. funny how birds can differ. I was just having visions of dealing with those two

There's still time for them to mellow out a bit. They're only 6 weeks old.. they look like some weird diluted cornish X.. they have the split/double breast thing going on, a slight wide legged stance, but growth wise they're growing like plymouth rocks.. although they are a hair bigger than the barred rocks of the same age. Not that it really matters, they'll make a meal either way. Just wish I had gotten more pullets out of this batch.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Seems there's really no ideal method. Just better and worse methods, I guess.

Has anyone researched gas? My understanding is that some sort of nitrogen (nitrogen oxide?) or argon produces a very quick, stress-free death and is suitable for slaughterhouses. I just don't know how/if it would work for the backyard processor.

 

[christine9]

I've read of CO2 gas chambers for backyard use.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6266882/width/200/height/400[/IMG/]
Says not completely pain free, but irritation from breathing in gas is brief.

 

[christine9]

 

[jajeanpierre]

I've read of CO2 gas chambers for backyard use.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6266882/width/200/height/400[/IMG/] Says not completely pain free, but irritation from breathing in gas is brief.[/QUOTE]

A CO2 chamber would be cruel. The desire/need to breathe is triggered by the rising CO2 levels, not the drop in oxygen. The animal would die struggling to breathe.

I've read about argon and some form of nitrogen but have never read how or how much it costs. I was wondering if anyone had read anything.

 

[BCMaraniac]

A CO2 chamber would be cruel. The desire/need to breathe is triggered by the rising CO2 levels, not the drop in oxygen. The animal would die struggling to breathe.

I've read about argon and some form of nitrogen but have never read how or how much it costs. I was wondering if anyone had read anything.

I haven't read anything, but I would imagine that availability would be an issue......not to mention cost.

 

[christine9]

I've read of CO2 gas chambers for backyard use.

[URL=https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6266882/width/200/height/400%5B/IMG/]https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6266882/width/200/height/400[/IMG/[/URL]] Says not completely pain free, but irritation from breathing in gas is brief.[/QUOTE]



A CO2 chamber would be cruel.  The desire/need to breathe is triggered by the rising CO2 levels, not the drop in oxygen.  The animal would die struggling to breathe.

I've read about argon and some  form of nitrogen but have never read how or how much it costs.  I was wondering if anyone had read anything.
[/QUOTE]

It is actually a suggested method in one of my books because unconsciousness is quick, it's easy to manage, available, and inexpensive.

I guess I figured quickness without too much stress is ideal. Causing more suffering by botching the job is my fear. Not that this method would be my first choice...

 

[Beekissed]

Agreed.

..the barred rocks are sweet and dont mind being handled, the two white rocks SCREAM if you so much look at them.. funny how birds can differ. I was just having visions of dealing with those two

There's still time for them to mellow out a bit. They're only 6 weeks old.. they look like some weird diluted cornish X.. they have the split/double breast thing going on, a slight wide legged stance, but growth wise they're growing like plymouth rocks.. although they are a hair bigger than the barred rocks of the same age. Not that it really matters, they'll make a meal either way. Just wish I had gotten more pullets out of this batch.

Uh....maybe it's just the pictures or awkward poses, but those don't look like PWRs~ they do, however, look like Cornish Rock Cross birds.

 

[Tomtommom]

Uh....maybe it's just the pictures or awkward poses, but those don't look like PWRs~ they do, however, look like Cornish Rock Cross birds.

Tractor Supply birds.. need I say more?

They looked a bit "off" to me, but I would expect faster growth out of a cornish X.. they all eat ALL the time, drink a ton too.. not used to that.

It'll make a meal.

 

[LindaB220]

Tractor Supply birds.. need I say more?

They looked a bit "off" to me, but I would expect faster growth out of a cornish X.. they all eat ALL the time, drink a ton too.. not used to that.

It'll make a meal.

That's what I was thinking. Maybe they are the slow grow out broilers. Three or four more weeks and you'll have something. UMMMMM.