When Butchering - will my hens know what's going on?

[DenverBird]

I've heard that some animals get freaked out when aware that their kind are being butchered. Will it be a problem if the laying hens can see what's happening to their meatie brethren on butchering day? I'm planning to put the laying tractor on the other side of the yard just in case, just wondering what others' experience is.

Thanks,

-DB

 

[Dogfish]

Not really. If you let them, they'll start picking feathers up and eat them.

 

[Higins00]

Yes, that's true. A horse will freak out but a chicken will be just fine and as Dogfish said they will eat them if they could.

 

[DenverBird]

Thanks guys - I had a feeling that was the case.

 

[Country Parson]

My meat birds couldn't care less. But last Fall when I butchered some of my geese the rest totally freaked out. They were friendly before that, but after butcher day they wouldn't let me close anymore, even to this day.

 

[DenverBird]

Thanks - maybe I'll put a tarp over the hens so they don't see what's up.

 

[PotterWatch]

It's never bothered my layers or the meaties that are waiting their turn nearby.

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

The chickens and guineas MUST be locked up or they are up on everything to get the tidbits. The ducks and geese are mad that day, so they avoid us. But, chickies do not care if it was their bestie ever, it is now treats. Roos will do the treat song.

 

[Mamaperreca]

Well I will be a voice of disagreement I guess.

My husband butchered some chickens, dual purpose/barred rocks/RIR, in front of the rest of the flock and they freaked out. After that when he went down toward the coop they would start flapping and making warning noises. So they definitely noticed. No way would I do it in front of my laying hens.

 

[donrae]

Our birds free range and we set up our butcher station right outside the coop door last weekend. We scooped up the meatie, stuck it's head into the cone, carried it to the bench, off with it's head, drain out into the garbage can, then hung it from the tree by it's feet to skin and gut. No fuss from the bird, that's why I like the killing cone. Of course, the after the first few birds, we're having to kick the darn hens out from under our feet, looking for eats. Cannibal eggs, YUM