To Cull ..... then what?

[Kittymomma]

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X2 I see ads all the time on CL requesting all kinds of meat/scraps for this purpose. Don't put it off too long. Due to a bunch of family/work stuff I kept putting off freezer camp for the boys and it was a disaster--NEVER AGAIN! The roo/hen ratio was all wrong and some of my poor girls got pretty beat up from over mating.

 

[Beekissed]

When I cull one that I don't want to mess with processing, I just split the skin over the breast, remove this part only and then give the rest to my dog. He gets some good raw meat and I get the best part for stir fry or soup.

This does not cause him to kill chickens...he guards my free range flock 24/7.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

You're not interested in starting a bachelor pad, I take it? Personally I think culling birds by killing is just a shame... But I don't believe in killing anything unless it's euthanasia. Too bad you're not in my area, I just got a job at a farm sanctuary as the adoption coordinator, and if you were anywhere nearby I would be happy to take your birds in and have them roam with the big "band of brothers" at the sanctuary.

I'd try hard to find the birds homes, posting them free to a good home at feed stores, on Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. Generally I've found if you wait, eventually someone will want them. Also, are these roosters purebred? If so, you could talk to a local 4H about giving them to kids for showmanship projects.

Anyway, good luck. Hopefully you'll find a good alternative to culling them.

 

[HorizonSon]

I say kill them and clean them; if for no other reason than for the experience, it'll be worth it... Regardless; good "luck".

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

Havesting them to be eaten is one thing, euthanasia required due to sickness or injury is another, but killing them to get rid of them is just that... Killing. Pretty much a waste also as there are a lot of people out there that would love and in these tough times could use a hand raised roo for soup.

It is our responsibility as animal owners to look after the ones we bring into the world and see to it their lives don't go without purpose.

 

[xyresicchick]

find a butcher.

 

[DillardHome]

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How would you go about reaching out to the crafters and/or fly fishermen? It's a great idea. Is there a specific place (website) to offer the feathers/pelts other than CL?

Thanks!

 

[DawnM]

I have found better luck getting rid of roosters on Craigslist by putting them in the pets section instead of the farm and garden section. I think people sometimes read the pet section just for fun and come across the ad. One lady had just lost her rooster to predators and when she saw the ad figured she could just replace him with ours. The farm section people are usually looking for something specific.

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

Quote:
How would you go about reaching out to the crafters and/or fly fishermen? It's a great idea. Is there a specific place (website) to offer the feathers/pelts other than CL?

Thanks!

I would post on craigslist, maybe make a few posters to put up at any local theaters or art galleries, and talk to people at the upcoming craft bazzaars which are EVERYWHERE this time of year (anyone who sells feathers might buy them to resell, or know someone who wants some!). As far as websites, I don't know of any specifically. I do most of my feather dealing in person at renaisance faires.

 

[nzpouter]

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that's what we do with our small ones, dog food..... don't feed it to your local wildlife.. you're just attracting predators to your place.