Tomorrow is supposed to be his last day.....

[Jamie Molihan]

So tomorrow is supposed to be the day that I put Enchilada in his holding pen for processing on Wednesday.i got him for this reason; to eat a bird that I knew for sure had lived a good life, to know that when I move to my land in WV that I would be able to be responsible at animal husbandry in all its forms, and to know before I have a bunch of birds that I was actually going to be able to do it. Here is the deal though, I am sooo attached to him. I was told that CX’s don’t really have much of a personality and I thought that this would make it easier, but he does have one. He has a wonderful personality and I love watching him with the girls. I know he has a bit of an eating disorder, that was clear from the start, but isn’t personality what matters? Seriously though, how am I supposed to end this guy’s life....this just sucks. Someone please give me a kick and a talk about putting on my big girl pants because I am losing it over this bird.

 

[SueT]

I had a extra rooster this year, I thought I might make dinner of him, but in the end I didn't. I took him to the poultry swap and sold him.
Good luck with yours....

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You don't have to end his life. His life will be shorter, but if you cut back on his feed he may live a few years.

The other side of the coin is if you eat meat it comes from some animal. Knowing who you are eating can be hard. It's one reason I'm a vegetarian.

Do what your heart tells you to do. I know I'm no help.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

You wouldnt be human if it didnt hurt. I was gave a couple of them as chicks and as you say , they had great personality and very friendly. I waited too long. From its weight the meat was bruised /green and not eatable. He would have died soon anyway. Thats why they are born, to die. I swore I would never accept another and I havent. There are other breeds that suit my needs fine. I have ate my own chickens plenty times But not this breed. I guess what Im saying is he is already there. I wouldnt let it be for no reason.

 

[Jamie Molihan]

Thankyou both for your support. I was actually a vegetarian from the age of seven until I was in my thirties.

 

[Teila]

Hey Jamie

Having only pet bantams, I have no experience with processing but also know that I couldn't do it. However, I just wanted to say that whatever you decide to do, you might want to check out this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ugh-the-emotions-please.768107/#post-10940663

 

[Zinjifrah]

I have three rules on meat animals...

1) Never name them. They are not pets, they do not need a name.

2) Do not make them tame. There is no greater betrayal than to teach an animal to trust you, teach it that you are a friend and protector, and then kill and eat it.

3) Don't raise meat animals.

#3 is because I could never kill them as anything other than a mercy, and if I had them processed by someone else, I could never eat the meat. I would know what it was.

That said, Enchilada is a breed of chicken who is likely to suffer the longer he lives, who was never bred to survive. A clean death now would allow him to die in the height of life, without ever experiencing the discomfort that would come later. Ultimately, you can view his death as the greatest gift you could give him - a quick, clean end to life, before he's ever had to know suffering.

 

[warpulaquail]

I know how you feel, we have had our Cornex Quail for about 2 years, and we are moving, and my mom says we can't move with them. So we somehow have to give them away. If I were you I wouldn't kill him or eat him. Just get a new chicken that you can eat, and stay attached to Enchilada by giving him the attention, and more food and treats. You probably won't get attached to the other chicken if you don't name him or pay much attention to him. What you could also do is trade Enchilada to someone with chickens and just kill the one you traded Enchilada for. Also once you have killed him it will be hard to eat him knowing he was just in your yard. I'm sorry that your in that situation.Once you have decided to keep him (if you do) you will feel good about it. Good luck.

 

[Jamie Molihan]

So, if I want to...not process him then I will have to put him on a diet. That sounds easy, I can put the food up where only the girls can get to it...that seems so mean. He is likely going to live a short life no matter what, but could he still be happy? He gets so excited when he catches a worm and does his little chicken dance. He is already have mobility issues...see, this is what I am talking about; I know all of the logical reasons why this is what needs to happen, but I have all of the feels and I am being a giant baby about it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So, if I want to...not process him then I will have to put him on a diet. That sounds easy, I can put the food up where only the girls can get to it...that seems so mean. He is likely going to live a short life no matter what, but could he still be happy? He gets so excited when he catches a worm and does his little chicken dance. He is already have mobility issues...see, this is what I am talking about; I know all of the logical reasons why this is what needs to happen, but I have all of the feels and I am being a giant baby about it.

I have read a few threads on meat chickens being pets and surviving with diet and exercise for a while. A search of this site will get you a few threads to read and hopefully help you decide.