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

[hennible]

I need to vent..........

I had to do a mercy kill today.  I had a cull cockerel growing out that had a tail deformity.  Well, apparently, he got some sort of wound on his back that went unnoticed.  He's been acting fine, no symptoms at all.  I found it today with maggots in the wound.   I knew he needed to be put down ASAP and I was the only one home.  I got up my courage and took him into the shed and attempted the broomstick method.  Attempted being the key word.......I was pulling and nothing was happening.  I wasn't stepping on the stick hard enough.  On my 2nd try, I got it right.  The pop feeling was a bit creepy, but there was less flapping then the hatchet method.  Anyhow, he's not in pain anymore.

I still feel awful for not getting it right the first time.  Why do I always have to screw it up?

You got it right in the end, and at least a mix up with the broom stick doesn't result in a chicken with half a head.... You did good.

 

[ronott1]

I need to vent..........

I had to do a mercy kill today. I had a cull cockerel growing out that had a tail deformity. Well, apparently, he got some sort of wound on his back that went unnoticed. He's been acting fine, no symptoms at all. I found it today with maggots in the wound.

I knew he needed to be put down ASAP and I was the only one home. I got up my courage and took him into the shed and attempted the broomstick method. Attempted being the key word.......I was pulling and nothing was happening. I wasn't stepping on the stick hard enough. On my 2nd try, I got it right. The pop feeling was a bit creepy, but there was less flapping then the hatchet method. Anyhow, he's not in pain anymore.

I still feel awful for not getting it right the first time. Why do I always have to screw it up?

Now you know how to do it for next time though.

One thing that helps is to use a narrow broom handle.

 

[fisherlady]

I need to vent..........

I had to do a mercy kill today.  I had a cull cockerel growing out that had a tail deformity.  Well, apparently, he got some sort of wound on his back that went unnoticed.  He's been acting fine, no symptoms at all.  I found it today with maggots in the wound.   I knew he needed to be put down ASAP and I was the only one home.  I got up my courage and took him into the shed and attempted the broomstick method.  Attempted being the key word.......I was pulling and nothing was happening.  I wasn't stepping on the stick hard enough.  On my 2nd try, I got it right.  The pop feeling was a bit creepy, but there was less flapping then the hatchet method.  Anyhow, he's not in pain anymore.

I still feel awful for not getting it right the first time.  Why do I always have to screw it up?

Don't be so hard on yourself, doing something for the first time is difficult under good circumstances and your situation was far from good. I am proud that you stuck to it and did what needed done...that was hard but you did it anyway!
I will have to watch a few more videos... I normally use a cone but can see how this method could be good to know, especially if something happens when I am home alone.

 

[Amina]

I've got three cockerels to cull this weekend, and it's going to be so tough! They are super friendly little guys.


I was hoping somebody might want them for their flock, considering just how friendly they are. Guess not though. I listed them on craigslist, but I don't have any takers.

 

[ronott1]

I've got three cockerels to cull this weekend, and it's going to be so tough! They are super friendly little guys.


I was hoping somebody might want them for their flock, considering just how friendly they are. Guess not though. I listed them on craigslist, but I don't have any takers.

We will be here for you!

 

[Amina]

This is such an awesome, supportive thread!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Thanks everyone. At least now I know I can do it if I have to.

 

[hennible]

This is such an awesome, supportive thread!

Best wishes with what you need to do.

They got more time happy and healthy than any commercial bird.

Thanks everyone.  At least now I know I can do it if I have to. 

Yeah that's a great lesson. I think I may have to convert to that method after your story.

 

[Tomtommom]

I've got three cockerels to cull this weekend, and it's going to be so tough! They are super friendly little guys.


I was hoping somebody might want them for their flock, considering just how friendly they are. Guess not though. I listed them on craigslist, but I don't have any takers.

Stupid question, but are you sure they're cockerels? Are they crowing? They look JUST like my pullets when they were younger. I was certain they were cockerels and then they started laying

 

[Amina]

They're not crowing yet, but they've got saddle feathers coming in. Boy wouldn't I love for one or more to be hens! Lol. I can post better pics tomorrow