weighing chickens

[archeryrob]

Does anyone else do it while they are alive? I used to use a kitchen scale but they hens aren't cooperative and the rooster about need a neck ringing to still still. Last time I tried it I would have made a sailor blush.

So I was thinking about using this fishing scale and getting a small rope with two loops, one on each end. Slide the rope through the loop on each end and over the feet to hang them upside down. They seem to get docile when they get hung upside down. Thinking about trying this after dark, any thoughts on a better way?

 

[wyoDreamer]

If you want to weigh them alive, then that is probably going to be the best way. That is what I have done in the past.

 

[Molpet]

I put them in a small pet carrier and subtract the weight of the carrier. I put the cage on a postal scale. It has a 'hold' so it keeps the weight after item removed, for items that cover the display. I have used a 5 gallon bucket and the fish scale, it gives a ballpark figure, not real accurate
some people hold the animal and get on the human scale. Mine don't care to be held.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

They seem to get docile when they get hung upside down. Thinking about trying this after dark,

Ya, I'm not fond of the upside down thing... despite the calming effect... just in case of accidental aspiration on a bird I'm not ready to process yet.

I have seen folk use a pillow case or a 5 gallon bucket to sit the bird in. Keeping it dark and using a headlamp... should definitely help them remain somewhat calm and prevent chasing.

I have used the loop on ankles, upside down... for processing instead of a cone, for trial... I found it difficult to loosen the loops off the legs as I want to reuse the rope.

Beyond those thoughts, nothing wrong with doing what ya gotta. Of course I've also stepped on a standard human scale with a bird in hand... but that could get old fast depending on the size of your flock.

 

[imnukensc]

Weigh yourself on a scale. Pick up the chicken and reweigh yourself with the chicken. The difference is the chicken's weight.

 

[archeryrob]

I could use the same scale and a bag with handles. I like that one.

I never had trouble with one dieing from being upside down. I hung my biggest rooster upside down for two minutes last time I weighed them. That is the only way I could get him to stop squawking, kicking and flapping.

Also years back when taking care of the neighbors chickens when he was in Florida, I found his rooster hanging in a chain link fence. His foot was about 4' off the ground and his foor and spur went through and hung him there. I almost didn't notice him as he wasn't moving. Even thought he was dead pulling him out.

 

[Morrigan]

Weigh yourself on a scale. Pick up the chicken and reweigh yourself with the chicken. The difference is the chicken's weight.

This is what I do as well. I also do it at night as sleepy chickens are easier to handle.

 

[Geena]

Ya, I'm not fond of the upside down thing...

I'm not either. Although they seem "calmer" to us, in fact it's because they are struggling to breathe. The way their respiratory system is set up makes it difficult for birds to breathe when held upside down like that.

 

[Mosey2003]

I have dangled them, and I don't love it either. Now I use the same kind of hanging scale, but put them in a bucket with a lid (tare with bucket first). A tote bag with a hard bottom would do it too.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

I hang a 5gal bucket on my farm scale and 0 it out. Then I put the chicken in the bucket. Works for us.