When to cull old hens??

[Mosey2003]

You should always insert a sharp blade into the mouth of the bird and pierce the brain and give a quarter turn doing the slitting method IMO.

Yes, pithing isn't mentioned by the AVMA. I don't know if that was an oversight or if they simply have not made a ruling on it yet.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Yes, pithing isn't mentioned by the AVMA. I don't know if that was an oversight or if they simply have not made a ruling on it yet.

Yeah I just read their section on it too and didn’t see it. If all else fails, the cervical dislocation is an effective means of euthanasia.

 

[Mosey2003]

Yeah I just read their section on it too and didn’t see it. If all else fails, the cervical dislocation is an effective means of euthanasia.

Yeah, it's what I usually do. I do want to try pithing, but I need to wait until I have done a few so I can practice the maneuver. I've done exsanguination in the past, and I help a friend that insists on it. I don't feel it's terrible, but I don't like it as well as cervical dislocation.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Yeah, it's what I usually do. I do want to try pithing, but I need to wait until I have done a few so I can practice the maneuver. I've done exsanguination in the past, and I help a friend that insists on it. I don't feel it's terrible, but I don't like it as well as cervical dislocation.

I do pithing and it is, to me, a quicker method of euthanasia. I always slice the jugular first though. It’s how I was taught.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Oh it's fine, I just wanted to clarify for the crowd

Section 3.4.2.2 here:
https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf

You'll note, if you read through it, that slitting the throat is actually not an approved method, even though many who process chickens prefer it. Some countries (Sweden or Denmark if I remember properly?) mandate that you must stun the bird beforehand.

Thanks for the info!! Very helpful. Didn’t realize it wasn’t approved. Seems weird given most people seem to use it here. But it does appear to be slower.

Not really, no. Older roosters take more force, but otherwise it's not a very hard pull at all. Physics at work.

Huh, interesting. Thanks!! That’s good to know. I think I would also worry it would hurt my back though. I’m tall so it’s a long way down to the ground ha

Place the fowl in a cone above a bucket so the head and neck protrude and use branch loppers with long handles to sever the head.

This seems like a much easier method than the stump and hatchet thing and no need for good aim!!

You should always insert a sharp blade into the mouth of the bird and pierce the brain and give a quarter turn doing the slitting method IMO.

Yes, pithing isn't mentioned by the AVMA. I don't know if that was an oversight or if they simply have not made a ruling on it yet.

Yeah I just read their section on it too and didn’t see it. If all else fails, the cervical dislocation is an effective means of euthanasia.

Yeah, it's what I usually do. I do want to try pithing, but I need to wait until I have done a few so I can practice the maneuver. I've done exsanguination in the past, and I help a friend that insists on it. I don't feel it's terrible, but I don't like it as well as cervical dislocation.

I do pithing and it is, to me, a quicker method of euthanasia. I always slice the jugular first though. It’s how I was taught.

Thank you both for all the info and discussion. Very interesting. So you slit the throat first then do the brain thing??

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Thanks for the info!! Very helpful. Didn’t realize it wasn’t approved. Seems weird given most people seem to use it here. But it does appear to be slower.



Huh, interesting. Thanks!! That’s good to know. I think I would also worry it would hurt my back though. I’m tall so it’s a long way down to the ground ha



This seems like a much easier method than the stump and hatchet thing and no need for good aim!!











Thank you both for all the info and discussion. Very interesting. So you slit the throat first then do the brain thing??

I do because it causes unconsciousness quickly.

 

[cleoandtheflock]

We always let our birds choose when they die
We have a lovely hen right now who is 7

 

[COLORADO HIPPIE]

We always let our birds choose when they die
We have a lovely hen right now who is 7[/QUOTE
My RI Red is about 5 1/2 now & she will be my sweet girl until the Great Spirit takes her home.

 

[aart]

I use jugular/carotid slit when slaughtering for meat to drain the most blood from body.
CD with broomstick if I have to euthanize a sick bird that will not be used for meat.
Facebook poultry groups for selling birds.
All of the above are different types of 'culling'.

 

[333113]

For those who keep their chickens until their natural demise, let's not forget, the black gold standard of garden compost, well-composted chicken manure! Chickens produce the raw ingredient their entire lives, laying or not, boys or girls.

Giving chickens the chance to eat your prep leavings and your leftovers reduces the amount going to landfill. European towns have been encouraging residents to keep chickens for this purpose for years. And, if you are using vegetable parings to feed your chickens, you may be eating a healthier diet.

On a household scale, this works pretty well:
http://www.nnpstl.com/_ccLib/attach...n+Info_Chickens+as+Civic+Employees_110214.pdf
Another useful link:
http://www.chickensandyou.com/Bio_Recyclers_Civic.html