Where/how did you learn how to cull chickens efficiently?

[MiaS]

I saw a video of the apron method which I thought looked very humane. The bird was very calm, she slit its throat and let the blood drain and then pulled it’s head off. I don’t think I want to do it but my husband could and would although hope that day will be a long time off as we only have just put eggs in the incubator. I also read about a mix of baking soda and vinegar (I think) which puts them to sleep.

That is a wonderful video. She has a lovely energy and makes it look so easy...

 

[Cyprus]

So suffocation, basically.

Yes, the chicken falls asleep and doesn't wake up.
It's actually a very humane method.

 

[MiaS]

Essentially I have been wondering about learning how to cull chickens. We don't slaughter ours for meat, they are purely kept as pets and because we like the eggs, and I am a bit soft in the sense that they all have names and I do my best to nurse them to health when they are ill (even if it seems somewhat of a lost cause). However I am starting to wonder if I wouldn't feel better and more confident if I knew how to end their lives myself, so that I could deal with an emergency situation in which one was suffering or so that I could show mercy to those who can't be saved.

Currently other members of my family 'do the deed' or occasionally they have been euthanised by a local vet if needed. My stepfather, uncle or partner will all take a chicken's life to stop one suffering and if asked, but they are not keen to do it (which is fair) and I am not sure about their methods. I also feel bad asking them as it's not a pleasant job. Having said that it is a family flock and they are not only my chickens.

I believe here in the UK we are legally required to stun the bird first. The Humane Slaughter Association here apparently run day courses on which they teach you but I haven't had a reply from them and they have no dates listed for the courses.

I was just wondering how/where you learned how to do it and how confident you feel about it? In many ways the idea horrifies me as I am emotionally tied to all animals that we keep, and I am not confident that I would be able to do a clean job of it, but equally I do feel that we are responsible for the animals that we keep.

Any thoughts much appreciated. My grandad would've shown me the perfect way to do it but sadly he died when I was 10 and took much of his poultry husbandry knowledge with him!

I found this a while back from the Canadian Chicken Farmers. Makes it look easier than I imagine it might actually be but it is a place to start.

 

[aart]

Just as one would gas any other small animal. Closed container filled with some sort of gas that takes away oxygen. I don't do any mixed solutions.

What do you use?
Details are important when you're offering advice to others.

So suffocation, basically.

Yep. Tho some gases will render them unconscious directly.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

-Notice the slight divot in the ground under the stick and neck, this will keep the bird from being choked.

-Notice that she slowly stretches out the neck and legs before giving the short sharp jerk that breaks the neck close to the skull, this is key to success IMO.

I've found this technique to be very effective.

Dislocating neck. Broom technique is effective but to me the same as grabbing a bird and hatchet. The bird knows what's going on and has that time to reflect it doesn't want to be in that situation. Don't get me wrong, I use a hatchet/clever all the time. Just saying if wanting to dispatch fast and have bird little wise to the effect then windmill motion to dislocate is probably better, for the bird anyway.

Key to any of it is be sure and effective. Don't hesitate, don't miss, and do it fast.

 

[aart]

Broom technique is effective but to me the same as grabbing a bird and hatchet.

No blood with broomstick CD, why I used it for euthanization...
...unless you pull too hard and head comes off.

 

[Cyprus]

Gassing a bird is also quick and effective if a) done properly and b) preferably done with animals under 2lbs. I have done it with a 7lb adult hen and yes, it takes longer but in hindsight I should've used more fluid. Bird is unconscious very quickly and all subsequent convulsions are just the nervous system shutting down.

Needed supplies are an airtight container and your fluid or solution of choice whether that be baking soda and vinegar, diethyl ether or CO2 gas.

 

[Mvan42]

I make my hubby do it...

 

[LeggyLeghorn]

I make my hubby do it...

good woman!

 

[MiaS]

good woman!

Good MAN!!