- When should it be done?
When they are no longer able to enjoy life in a humane or comfortable way. Are ill to the point that it can cause damage to the rest of the flock or won't recover. And also if it's aggressive and causing problems with stressing out the rest of your chickens. And obviously for any food reasons if they are raised for consumption. So definetly agree with most everyone.
- What is the most humane and the quickest method, especially for people who have never done it before and for a much loved flock member?
For a much loved flock member and those who don't want to do it themselves I'd say take them to a vet for sure. Expensive but you won't feel it was done in a gruesome way. I raised quail and one of my dogs got ahold of one who already had like 3 other problems. Feather everywhere, I had the guy who was renting a room in our house snip his head off with some kitchen shears. I felt bad but I didn't want to try and do it myself or let him suffer more :/
So I mean if you know how to do it yourself your saving about 25-40 bucks but I wouldn't want my own chickens to be culled at my own hand. I'd have a hard time with it!
- How do you handle the situation when you have children and other family involved with the flock?
Well I don't have children but if I did id probably try and explain it in different ways depending on the age. my mom and my boyfriend would probably be upset if we had to put any of the chickens down but my stepdad would probably not blink an eye or care much. I'd definitely cry, a lot. They're like pets to me, not livestock like I felt about my lambs.
When they are no longer able to enjoy life in a humane or comfortable way. Are ill to the point that it can cause damage to the rest of the flock or won't recover. And also if it's aggressive and causing problems with stressing out the rest of your chickens. And obviously for any food reasons if they are raised for consumption. So definetly agree with most everyone.
- What is the most humane and the quickest method, especially for people who have never done it before and for a much loved flock member?
For a much loved flock member and those who don't want to do it themselves I'd say take them to a vet for sure. Expensive but you won't feel it was done in a gruesome way. I raised quail and one of my dogs got ahold of one who already had like 3 other problems. Feather everywhere, I had the guy who was renting a room in our house snip his head off with some kitchen shears. I felt bad but I didn't want to try and do it myself or let him suffer more :/
So I mean if you know how to do it yourself your saving about 25-40 bucks but I wouldn't want my own chickens to be culled at my own hand. I'd have a hard time with it!
- How do you handle the situation when you have children and other family involved with the flock?
Well I don't have children but if I did id probably try and explain it in different ways depending on the age. my mom and my boyfriend would probably be upset if we had to put any of the chickens down but my stepdad would probably not blink an eye or care much. I'd definitely cry, a lot. They're like pets to me, not livestock like I felt about my lambs.