[Dicky]

So we tried for the first time today to slaughter one of our cockerels, but unfortunately it wasn't very succesful.  I had done plenty of reading on the neck break method and watched videos of it being done, but in practice we just couldn't break the neck.  After 3 attempts, 2 with a broom stick and one with the hands, I had to finish it off as quickly as possible with a very sharp knife that i had to hand.  I do not think we can try this method again as the last thing I want is to cause unnecessary suffering.  So what is the best alternative?

We do have an air rifle, and could get a pistol if it would be easier.  I have heard about using it to stun the bird before cutting the neck, but where exactly do you shoot?

I could cut the head clean off with a hatchet or machete, but I understand this isn't considered a particularly instant death, though I find it hard to see how.

If we ever had a larger operation I may get an electric stunner, but at £300 - £400 we just can't afford it at the moment.

[CameronS]

i prefer to use an air gun myself, partially as i do not have enough strength in my arms to snap the neck.
i take the bird(s) out of the hut just after dark, when they are more co-operative, place them on the ground - they are sleepy(ish) so tend to just sit.
put the barrel of the gun at the base of the neck/top of spine and fire at point blanc.  failing that another straight into the top of the head works.
then simply cut the throat.

[Dicky]

So you are firing from the back of the head, not side on?  Does it ever fail and the bird stays concious?

[Fleecewife]

To practice the technique for breaking the neck, use a bird which is already dead.  It's more technique than brute strength 

[YorkshireLass]

How exactly did you use the broomstick? I only ask because I have successfully killed a bird that, when dead, had its head dragging on the floor as I held the ankles (i.e. I am small and it was big!)

[Womble]

I'm afraid I've had limited success with the air rifle, but I think perhaps mine needs a new spring.
 
The broomstick method for a chicken is to hold the bird's feet, place its head on the floor, then put the broomstick on the base of the spine. Then you thank the bird (an inuit tradition which we now keep to!) apply downward pressure with both of your feet on the broomstick (one either side of the bird's neck), and pull upwards with your hands.
 
It's more than just pulling though. I've found that the round shape of the broomstick is important, since that seems to settle in between the bones, and allow for quick dislocation.  It's not pleasant, but it's about the least unpleasant way I've yet found.
 
I can also do it this way for turkeys, but find geese much much harder. I believe the recommended method for them is to hold them round the body, put the neck under the stick, stand on it, and then stand up. It's easier said than done though, and I'll be honest, I've been putting off killing our remaining geese because I'm not yet 100% sure of the best way to do it.  Any better ideas folks?

[Dicky]

We used a proper rounded broomstick, under both feet and pulled up with the feet of the bird.  My wife did this bit, and she is very strong for a woman, and I tried the manual method and I still couldn't break the neck (I am 6'3 and 14st, and wouldn't consider myslef a weakling at all).  We were pretty gutted that it didn't work and can't really contemplate this method again, but still have another 8 to do.

[SallyintNorth]

Ascott do a Humane Wall Mounted Dispatcher

It is not a crusher, which are not recommended, it is a dislocator.  It forces two vertebrae apart, thereby dislocating the neck.  The individual neck bones are not crushed, just displaced.

[Buffy the eggs layer]

We use the same method as Cameron but OH shoots from the side. He usually does it twice or 3 times to make sure it has been effective as it is possible to shoot them in the head and not kill them.
It is an unpleasant enough job without the stess and upset of not being able to do it effectively. I dont see how the axe wouldnt be quick and effective if a little messy.
The ones that you screw to the wall which I think are supposed to crush the birds neck are aparently not concidered to be humane but some people seem to use them after hitting the birds on the head first to stun them. I personally found that I am just unable to stike them with a block.
Do you have an experienced dispatcher that you could call on to teach you?
 

[deepinthewoods]

We used a proper rounded broomstick, under both feet and pulled up with the feet of the bird.  My wife did this bit, and she is very strong for a woman, and I tried the manual method and I still couldn't break the neck (I am 6'3 and 14st, and wouldn't consider myslef a weakling at all).  We were pretty gutted that it didn't work and can't really contemplate this method again, but still have another 8 to do.

that should have been enough.
the bird will still flap for over a minute in some cases, then twitch for a minute more before going limp.

[MAK]

I was cutting birds necks all last year and thought I should try he broomstick method the other week. I have had mixed success with Ducks .
1. Complete failure with a singing duck and pitifull look up at me - finished with the trusty knife.
2. Success - quick and floppy bird that I could bleed out straighet away.
3. Disaster - I pulled the head off and was left holding the feet of a flapping bird and my face got coated in its blood - the dog pushed open the shed door and pinched the head.
4. TODAY - success as with 2 ( shed door locked !!).

[mentalmilly]

We used to wring necks of chickens but have moved on to an air rifle.  We find this kinder and instant, back of the head, and we have done ducks as well successfully.  As they flap about for a minute or two we tie a small plastic bag round  the head and this stops them bleeding all over the place.  It helps if their are two of you as well.

[harry]

YOU HOLD  the bird upside down by the legs with the top of its head laying on soft ground when its still you put the pistol hard against its chin at an angle aiming the pellet so it comes out at the top front of its head that way the pellet passes though the brain and into the soft ground....i use this on most birds from geese to quail, i used it as its difficult to kill quail get a pistol and have the rifle ready for a second shot to make sure. a cheap pistol will do as you are not aiming at a target

[bigchicken]

You need to get someone with experience to show you the technique its not about brute strength, I must say that a few people never master the technique, young birds are easier than old birds, ducks can be difficult and turkeys much easier than you would think mind you the ones I do are young, if you are bothered by all the flapping and want to bleed you bird an upside down traffic cone nailed to the wall is good  I kill my own birds, I see it as part of the whole experience of poultry keeping.

[hughesy]

I've often thought that using an airgun to kill poultry was a dodgy method. Reading that people sometimes have to shoot the poor bird two or three times just confirms it. The so called broomstick method is easy, fast and humane. I can't understand how an adult human being isn't able to do it. Pulling a bit too hard and having the head come off is more likely in my experience.