[Maddox]

Hello All

I hate to ask but i have been let down by 2 people who had agreed to show me/hubby how to kill our meat chickens (our first batch), is there anyone nearby able to show us, we have 6 that need doing asap, they are quite large at least 10lb+ clean, i think one might go around 13lb. I really dont want to cause them any distress by "having a go" myself, so would be very greatful for any help.

We are located near Chelmsford Essex, you would be welcome to have a bird as a thankyou.

Many thanks
Maddox
07501017567

[harry]

its very easy, you dont need to be shown a couple of methods, ie buy are quality meat clever about £20 or better and a sharpening steel,  HOLD BIRD BY LEGS RESTING ITS HEAD ON A WOOD BLOCK AND ONE HEAVY CONFIDENT SWIPE AND THE HEAD IS OFF, simple then quickly holding the bird by the legs hold it upside down in a bucket till it stops  moving. OR if you have an air rifle or air gun hold the bird by the legs resting its head upside down  on soft ground, then one pellet into its chin so the pellet travels though the brain area and out into the soft ground, (not so messy) in fact very quick and clean. you can buy a wall mounted dispatcher which i also have and is also easy, but the 2 methods mentioned i think work best, you would need help with neck breaking, all these methods are legal and have been recomended by poultry mags.

[MiriMaran]

You can't go wrong with a good meat cleaver!

[scattybiker1972]

i was in the same posistion as you,and a friend said the same ,but she had a humane dispatcher ,really easy to use,u just put head in the gap and bring down lever, very quick clean and painless,BUT DONT STOP IF YOU START and do it quick not slow, it breaks the neck and dislocates it . i got it off ebay ,it has adjustable screw for different size poultry too. well recommended.

humane poultry dispatcher is what its called screws to a wall.  brilliant  invention.

[harry]

I FORGOT TO SAY if useing a meat cleaver get some red overalls, in order of my preference its wall dispatcher, air pistol, meat cleaver. mined you the clever is 100% but messy, ive found the adjustment screw is a waste of time on the dispatcher, mine is on the min adjustment ie no gap left when closed for everthing from geese to hens and havent broken the skin.

[Maddox]

Thanks all for the replies, I still havnt a clue how im going to do it but d day is coming.

Maddox

[harry]

get a cleaver

[shetlandpaul]

as harry says. a sharp clever or axe. watch your fingers and make sure your first hit is hard. its best to have two people one to hold the hen and the other to do the chopping. you will get blood everywhere but its assured.
don't think about it too much just get it done. always have a second method ready in case your first method fails.

[harry]

good advice have a 2nd method ready, as mentioned before on another thread, use a wall dispather, then shoot it then use the cleaver, that should do it.

[scattybiker1972]

humane dispatcher has no blood no mess ,and is quick and clean.dead easy too   

www.ascott.biz/acatalog/Humane-Wall-Mounted-Dispatcher-PY91.html for piccy ect

i  was paranoid about getting it wrong.
these are so easy a kid could use them.   

best find a way to make it less stressful for all concerned ! 

[shetlandpaul]

you are always not going to enjoy the task but its one that has to be done. really just be determinded that your going to kill them quick and thats all you can aim for. once they have lost the head and feathers you won't worry about them.

[Maddox]

Thanks for all the advice, Im going to do it this weekend.

I know its something I have to get over & as long as its quick thats all I can do.

Maddox

[scattybiker1972]

i had someone come over and show me the correct way to kill  the rats we bred for snakes.i threw up.still dont like it,my son does all that, i cant.

[MiriMaran]

What is the correct way to kill rats?  I have a friend who will be interested.

[harry]

how are you going to do it??? what method have we convinced you to try...................... do snakes eat quail, they breed like anything, you end up with loads. I killed rats with a hammerfore (worth a try).