[beany]

I bought one of the dispatchers and they are very good for those of us who don't want to go down the real hands on route.

[shetlandpaul]

you don't get lots of meat but if you have few to do then you get a reasonablr amout. crossed bantams have more meat on them than some pure breed large fowls. ake realy nice meat loaf with a bit of bacon and so sage and onion.

[daddymatty82]

broomstick method works well imo

[Helencus]

Hi buffy no problem I'm sorry I didn't check first myself. I've been scared to do things for all the same reasons as you but this really really opened my eyes. I still feel very guilty that I let them go like that tbh. My dad used to dress poultry years ago so he's said he'll help and I've used the broomstick method on a sick hen so I know I can do it just have to get up the courage to get on with it now. 

[shetlandpaul]

have you tried the axe its messy but quick.

[Helencus]

No only ever tried the broomstick. Didn't do the deed this weekend my dad wasn't able to come up to help me. I'm sure the neighbours must hate me as he (the chosen 1 for pot) is getting really noisy. I might just get on and do it. Is it right that you should do it in the morning as the crop is empty? 

[shetlandpaul]

what are you planning on doing with him if just using legs a breast meat it does not matter. you dont need to gut them. you really dont want the crop full as there is a good chance of it bursting and it would then take ages to clean it up. when you cut the bottom out tie it off with some string it helps stop leakage.

[Helencus]

Hi Paul. I'd planned to roast him actually. Someone told me you should starve them for 18 hrs first. Do you do that?

[shetlandpaul]

no i would just not feed them over night. do the deed first thing in the morning. that way the overs routine won't be to disturbed.

[Helencus]

Ok thanks

[confused]

You're absolutely right confused. I have to say it's actually made me face up to the fact that if I hatch eggs I have to take responsibility for dispatching the cockerels. I did actually keep 3 1 cause I wanted to keep him and 2 cause they were limping a bit so thought they'd be difficult to rehome.. Anyway I've decided that 1 is for the pot this weekend. It'll be difficult to do it I'm sure but I'm sure the chicken will taste nice and at least I will be sure he had a brilliant life and his end will be swift and painless.

Good on you , you will never look back.

[Helencus]

Thanks tomorrow is D day ...

[shetlandpaul]

its not nice but its one of the things that just have to be done. i would give up on animals if i did not feel slightly bad over its death.

[Helencus]

Well I thanked god for it's life and our soon tone dinner and did the deed. Not pleasant but I did it. Used the broomstick method and did it again and took head off. I really can't be sure if they're dead until it is cause of all the twitching. I did it he twitched then stopped before his head detached so I thought I'd done it then he started again so I just pulled harder. Sorry for being graphic but does anyone else find it difficult to know it's done and you can stop without actually decapitating? I might just get a dispatcher!

[shetlandpaul]

yes. i have a wife and daughter highly trained in heart monitering. a clue is if you pull the head off and you dont get blood squirts you have done the deed.