The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: GribinIsaf on December 07, 2020, 08:24:47 pm

Title: Dispatching large ducks
Post by: GribinIsaf on December 07, 2020, 08:24:47 pm
Today we dispatched two large Muscovy drakes (for a neighbour ironically, who did not have the means or the determination)

We used a cone with a spring-loaded stunner followed by bleeding out.

To be honest, I was not entirely satisfied the process was as quick or humane as it could have been.

Does anyone use any other methods.... anyone had experience of Mardle "pliers" like dispatchers as shown in this link?

https://noahsarkproducts.co.uk/product-category/dispatchers/

Thanks for any thoughts
Title: Re: Dispatching large ducks
Post by: Womble on December 07, 2020, 11:19:12 pm
Yes, there was a pair of those in the shed here when we moved in, and I used them a few times on large chickens. On the whole, they worked well. The knack was to use them in conjunction with a cone. Position the pliers at a gap between vertebrae, then both clamp and twist to separate the spinal cord.


Personally these days we use an air rifle to stun (TBH it's invariably all over after that anyway), followed by neck dislocation with a broomstick.
Title: Re: Dispatching large ducks
Post by: LeeHambone on December 10, 2020, 08:49:11 pm
Can you describe the spring loaded stunner? Does it simply strike the bird's skull and concussion them? Or does it pierce the skull? I've always wondered...
Title: Re: Dispatching large ducks
Post by: GribinIsaf on December 10, 2020, 09:00:30 pm
Can you describe the spring loaded stunner? Does it simply strike the bird's skull and concussion them? Or does it pierce the skull? I've always wondered...

It is this one:

http://www.captiveboltstunners.co.uk/?page_id=17 (http://www.captiveboltstunners.co.uk/?page_id=17)

and yes, it does piece the skull
Title: Re: Dispatching large ducks
Post by: LeeHambone on December 10, 2020, 09:20:37 pm
Can you describe the spring loaded stunner? Does it simply strike the bird's skull and concussion them? Or does it pierce the skull? I've always wondered...

It is this one:

http://www.captiveboltstunners.co.uk/?page_id=17 (http://www.captiveboltstunners.co.uk/?page_id=17)

Thank you


and yes, it does piece the skull
Title: Re: Dispatching large ducks
Post by: GribinIsaf on December 10, 2020, 09:22:01 pm
whoops, I can't spell pierce