The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Eagledance on February 11, 2010, 12:44:52 pm

Title: Killing hens
Post by: Eagledance on February 11, 2010, 12:44:52 pm

So last night the last 2 of my meat hens were dispatched and put in the freezer.
It took a bloody age to pluck them (because I am slow at it - and fussy!)

So my question is - I killed them both as felt it would be cruel to leave one on its own - what do folks think?

ED

Title: Re: Killing hens
Post by: HappyHippy on February 11, 2010, 01:38:34 pm

I don't have chickens myself (yet ;)) but I'd be inclined to do the same as you.
The other one was destined for eating anyway and I'd feel bad leaving just one on it's own.

Title: Re: Killing hens
Post by: Daisys Mum on February 11, 2010, 01:51:40 pm

I'm with you on that one as well There is nothing so sad as a solitary animal in a field or a lone chook.

Title: Re: Killing hens
Post by: DJ_Chook on February 11, 2010, 07:13:01 pm

Yip, I always do the last two together. I wouldn't even leave 1 for overnight, they both get dispatched the same day.

Dry plucking takes forever!  I scald and wet pluck with a handheld plucker. Takes only 2 mins now.

DJ Chook

Title: Re: Killing hens
Post by: Declan on February 11, 2010, 11:11:07 pm

DJ- where did you get the hand held plucker?

Declan

Title: Re: Killing hens
Post by: DJ_Chook on February 12, 2010, 11:00:14 am

Ebay!

Budget didn't stretch to one of those whizzbangs. I got a cheap handheld plucker instead.