What is the quickest way to cull chickens?

[Maryallison]

I thank everyone again. Is there by chance a shot to put them to sleep? There is no way I can help my DH do this. I am way too attached to my chickens. I want to make it easier for him.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
You don't need to have to look all that stuff up when you're probably miserable, upset, etc. So I had it anyway - thought I'd just dig it up and give it to you. I'm so sorry that all this happened.

 

[LittleFeat]

I am so sorry for your problem and I don't know if I could cull any of mine (if I even had them yet LOL) but one thing I just read from our BRAND NEW CHICKENS FOR DUMMIES book ...It gives several ways but mentioned the best time is before dawn while the birds are still asleep and therefore relaxed and not nervous.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Another option is to find a friend who is a bit less emotionally attatched to your birds who could help Mister or do it all for you. Sometimes it helps to have someone who can just focus on doing a quick & humane job and not feel so sad about the loss of a feathered friend.

Check the BYC Florida map or search the posts in the Where are you? forum. There's someone in Panama City according to the map. If I lived closer I'd offer to help.

It's so difficult to decide to cull, but it's really an act of compassion for the birds you love.

 

[NotTheMomma]

Are these small babies, or adult chickens? For small babies, I've found the pruning shears work well. I had to cull a quail and that's what I used. For adult ones, I've only known the hatchet/axe method as it's what my Dad did when I was growing up. I'm hoping to find a better way, and will probably use a cone so I won't see them flapping afterwards.

Hugs hun!

 

[bargain]

Maryallison, if you haven't already done the deed, I would really suggest the State vet to set what's going on. Maybe it's something non complex that needs a certain protocol.

Just a thought...I haven't had to do a cull and feel for you.

I would just want to be sure. It could be that some of the meds were wrong for what's going on...

Just a thought.

Will keep you in our prayers.

 

[Chickens-246]

Will a chicken drink booze? With them passed out it may be easier without them looking at you. Will too much booze kill them?

I'm actually considering a culling right now, so far the car exhaust looks the easiest for me. I wouldn't stuff them in a bag first, I would cover the hospital cage with something and hose it in.

 

[threehorses]

I'd think that being behind a running car would be terrifying to them. I'd suggest the cervical dislocation. It's considered kind by the vet organizations. I'd have someone, a neighbor, come help.

 

[Chickens-246]

Personally, I don't want to do "hands on" culling. My chickens are only scared of my car when it moves. Anything besides gassing, the chicken will flap their wings.

 

[Maryallison]

Oh threehorses you are so nice. Today another one of my chickens passed away from this respitory illness. I feel like they are just slowly slipping away no matter what I do. I now have a stocked medicine cabinet for chickens.

I talked with DH and brought up the chickens again. He says he can cull them over the weekend. The idea about before dawn was a good idea. I can see DH doing it after they go to sleep.

I am trying not to dwell on this cause it upsets me so much. Wish I wasn't so attached. We haven't come to this decision lightly. I have tried everything... At this point I worry that my other flock could get sick if one of these sick birds was to ever get out. I have a flock of 44 2 1/2 month olds.