[mebnandtrn]

Sorry this isn't the nicest thread, so maybe don't read on if you are easily upset. Also no offence is meant by this, I just need the answer. One of our lambs succumbed to probably coccidiosis, and we found him lying down struggling to breathe and I firmly believe suffering. As luck would have it one of the local knacker men was just up the road and popped straight over. He used his "gun" (I believe it was that, it looked like a very short chunky pistol) to put one shot to his head. Now in my mind that was going to instantly kill him, which I felt as ok with as you can do. However the lamb took a good 30 seconds plus to die, twitching a little and certainly not instantly dead. The question is, is this how long it takes normally, or did he not do the greatest job? I just want to know for my own peace of mind really, nothing else, and certainly not to blame him in any way. Also is this different for a ewe? Thank you to those who have read this far, I appreciate your time and expertise.

[YorkshireLass]

Upon death, the animal should immediately stiffen / fall, then there will be twitching and sometimes violent thrashing - think about the old headless chicken act. This thrashing is nerve impulses going bananas, not a sign of life.
What signs did you see that the lamb was still alive?


(When checking for life e.g. after culling a chicken or finding an injured animal, I tend to tap the eyeball to see if there is a blink reflex. I don't 100% know how reliable this is, but it's a pretty solid indicator)

[twizzel]

As above, the nerves will cause the animal to twitch and 'paddle' quite violently with its legs. But the animal is dead before it hits the floor. Seen many animals shot before- horses, cows, calves lambs ewes not the nicest but never seen it go wrong and certainly never ever seen a nackerman go back for a second shot. They are very skilled at what they do.

[adamhfc]

As above mainly horses I have seen put down by gun but once the shot god off there gone there's a bit of paddling and thrashing but it's all nerves the animal is dead and does not feel any pain or know anything that's happing am sure your lamb was dead before it hits the ground

[Marches Farmer]

As above - don't forget the body runs on electrical impulses and that electricity doesn't just disappear.  The knackermen that I've encountered have generally been brilliant.  As one said, "It's been your job to make sure this animal has had the best possible life and it's my job to make sure it has the quickest and easiest possible death."

[harmony]

With all the above posts. And how lucky you were to have someone up the road able to come straight away and end the lamb's suffering very quickly.