Real Talk Please/Best Euthanization Method

[aart]

I use CD for sick birds too.

Cervical Dislocation is shown in this video at about 1:00,

Click the 'Watch this video on YouTube'

it's the only CD video I've found that doesn't remove the head.

-Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.

-Notice that she slowly stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull, this is key to success IMO.

I've found this technique to be very effective.

 

[Sueby]

I think the best way is what you ( or DH is comfortable with.

We wrap the bird in a towel (well actually we have industrial rolls of surgical paper) & sexure it with a binder clip or duct tape. We wrap the pretty tight so the can't escape & leave their head out, place them on the ground & pop with a . 22. It's what works for us. We tried slitting the neck once in a cone & I thought it was horrible so we now use a .22.

Like I said, whatever you are comfortable with is best so you dont heaitate & make it worse.

 

[ANiceKaren]

I think the best way is what you ( or DH is comfortable with.

We wrap the bird in a towel (well actually we have industrial rolls of surgical paper) & sexure it with a binder clip or duct tape. We wrap the pretty tight so the can't escape & leave their head out, place them on the ground & pop with a . 22. It's what works for us. We tried slitting the neck once in a cone & I thought it was horrible so we now use a .22.

Like I said, whatever you are comfortable with is best so you dont heaitate & make it worse.

I’m interested in this method or CD. My husband is very good with a .22 (military). I worried the chicken would be too difficult to keep still but this seems like an option as well. I assume very quick?

 

[Sueby]

I’m interested in this method or CD. My husband is very good with a .22 (military). I worried the chicken would be too difficult to keep still but this seems like an option as well. I assume very quick?

Yes, instant. We have never had a mishap with this method & we've used it quite a bit. & wrapped in paper like we do or a towel or blanket or something they can't move at all & don't flap around after.

 

[NatJ]

HOWEVER, the quicker and surer they die, the more violent the death throws. The death throws are are what upset people, and they are sure they are alive, and they have bungled it. But they haven't, the animal is NOT alive at that time. Know that.

This is why I prefer to chop the head off. When I can see the head sitting on the ground, separate from the body, I KNOW the chicken is dead, no matter what the body does.

(I am not trying to criticize any other method, just pointing out a specific good point of one method. The "best" method is different for some people than others, because people have different skills and abilities that make some methods easier or harder for them to do properly.)

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

The only method I've ever done is the broomstick method. It works, it's quick, and neither of my birds were upset prior to the deed.

I pet them, and talk to them while I place them.

I get set up, strong stance, strong grip, gently pull them back so the base of their skull is touching the shovel handle and quickly step on both ends, close my eyes...(idk it's instinctual) and pull.

Both times the head has come completely off...and as stated above...I knew it was quick, I knew it was over...regardless of what the birds reflexes do.


I prefer to KNOW 100%

I've not tried a .22 but am considering it for my next cull.

 

[ANiceKaren]

This is why I prefer to chop the head off. When I can see the head sitting on the ground, separate from the body, I KNOW the chicken is dead, no matter what the body does.

(I am not trying to criticize any other method, just pointing out a specific good point of one method. The "best" method is different for some people than others, because people have different skills and abilities that make some methods easier or harder for them to do properly.)

Initially this was my husbands first idea. My only concern with this method is the setting up and the chicken feeling fear during that step. I’m guessing a .22 would be pretty obvious if they are dead. Mind you.. I won’t be doing any of it. My DH will be.

 

[NatJ]

Initially this was my husbands first idea. My only concern with this method is the setting up and the chicken feeling fear during that step.

I have not noticed much difference in setting up to behead a chicken, as compared with anything else I might need to do with the chicken (change a legband, weigh it, move it to a different pen, check a hen's butt for whether she is laying, etc.)

I have had some chickens that panic when I pick them up, and some that are calm and do not seem upset. It just seems to depend on the chicken.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

I butcher chickens every year, and it's always upsetting for me. So I'm very interested in this thread as well. I've never tried the cervical dislocation method by hand or by broomstick, but I think I will - the very next time I butcher (in 2 weeks). I actually wouldn't mind if the head came off completely, like a few others have stated, I want to leave NO doubt. I want the bird to go from comfortable and calm in my arms to 100% dead in the blink of an eye.

I like how Mike the Chicken Vet describes that euthanasia is not about killing; it's about making an animal unconscious before death, so that they are not aware. It is the most humane. He describes two main methods that are most humane and easily done by backyard chicken owners: CV (by hand or broomstick) and decapitation.

After a few botched attempts with a machete, my method has always been decapitation using a killing cone and PVC cutters. My reasoning being that there is little chance of botching it for the chicken, little risk to my fingers, and it is overwith in an instant. The only thing I don't like about it is the fear factor for the chicken. When I place them in the killing cone with the head sticking out the bottom, they surely feel fear at being trapped. That's why I do it very quickly. It is quite violent and bloody, however. As long as I know the chicken felt nothing, I don't mind the blood. It's just so messy to clean up, is all.

Each of us has to find a method that works best, and there is no one "right" method that works for everyone.

It also helps me to say a prayer for the bird, talk to it, pet it, and thank it for the gift it's about to give me and my family.

 

[ANiceKaren]

I butcher chickens every year, and it's always upsetting for me. So I'm very interested in this thread as well. I've never tried the cervical dislocation method by hand or by broomstick, but I think I will - the very next time I butcher (in 2 weeks). I actually wouldn't mind if the head came off completely, like a few others have stated, I want to leave NO doubt. I want the bird to go from comfortable and calm in my arms to 100% dead in the blink of an eye.

I like how Mike the Chicken Vet describes that euthanasia is not about killing; it's about making an animal unconscious before death, so that they are not aware. It is the most humane. He describes two main methods that are most humane and easily done by backyard chicken owners: CV (by hand or broomstick) and decapitation.

After a few botched attempts with a machete, my method has always been decapitation using a killing cone and PVC cutters. My reasoning being that there is little chance of botching it for the chicken, little risk to my fingers, and it is overwith in an instant. The only thing I don't like about it is the fear factor for the chicken. When I place them in the killing cone with the head sticking out the bottom, they surely feel fear at being trapped. That's why I do it very quickly. It is quite violent and bloody, however. As long as I know the chicken felt nothing, I don't mind the blood. It's just so messy to clean up, is all.

Each of us has to find a method that works best, and there is no one "right" method that works for everyone.

It also helps me to say a prayer for the bird, talk to it, pet it, and thank it for the gift it's about to give me and my family.

Thank you for this. I’m going to have to check out Mike the Vet. I always wonder if giving them a sleeping pill before culling would help??! Anyone? I assume you can’t do that if planning to eat them. Thoughts? Would that calm them?