What method is best for culling?

[BigRay]

Veteran chick owners what is the most humane method to use on a baby chick with a very bad leg?

 

[TexasVet]

This question came up the other day, and some of the suggestions were... sharp scissors, drowning, vinegar & baking soda (not recommended!), an axe, breaking it's neck, and mine... shoot them in the head with an air-powered BB gun. I use a BB pistol for that, as well as putting down grown chickens. You can get one for about $40 at Walmart.

I don't think I could ever cut off their heads with scissors, and I'm not keen on neck-breaking either.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com, www.PivotalForce.com

 

[rancher hicks]

I prefer the "get someone else to do it method".

 

[Emzyyy]

I just used the vinager and baking soda today on a full grown bird it works fine as long as you leave them in there long enough. I used a old cooler but you can use a tubberware container too.

 

[SpringChickens]

I like cervical dislocation. Pull down on the feet and up on the head. The chick goes from being held gently in your hands to dead in less than a second. Very humane and instantaneous.

Tip: NOT for the squeamish - the head will occasionally come off using this method.

 

[citrusdreams]

Quote:
Me too, but when I have to, decapitation is my choice. It's fast and while gross, is relatively easy.

If your chicks is tiny, just pull it's head off and do it very quickly. I know it's gross and it will probably traumatize you, but it's humane. If it's in pain, I'd do it myself, if it can wait, I have someone else do it.

Good luck

 

[Drafthorsegal]

An old farmer (a neighbor) told me something that stuck with me. "Jen, if you own chickens... own an axe. It doesn't matter what size the chick or chicken is, you don't want to hunt around for a way to do it when you really need it." I got to thinking about that. Seriously. I had to cull a chick with a broken pelvis a month ago, and was glad I had taken his advice. It's quick, very quick, and now I have the axe in case I someday wake up and something's gotten into the chicken coup that left really seriously wounded chickens that needed culled immediately.

Just get an axe and be prepared to use it. If you own animals, you need to take responsibility for those animals and not get someone else to do your dirty work for you. Sometimes its a true kindness in the culling.

 

[BigRay]

Thank you all. I guess granpa's way was the best.

 

[ChooksChick]

http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/

I highly recommend this way, and will use it again if I need to- I don't know why it's 'not recommended' by others- I followed the instructions and it was perfect, peaceful, and the animal never knew it happened.

PM with any questions.

 

[Sillystunt]

this link was given to me. this is what i am gonna do..

http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/