D-day minus 5

[Nicos]

Yup- we've decided to cull 2 of our first hatching

They turned out to be 2 cockerels and one female.

So our farmer's wife friend has offered to show my OH how to 'do it'. She'll do one- and my OH will do the other ( he feels he should be responsible for doing it).
At least she'll be on hand to finish the deed if it's not done quite right. I think my OH is worried he'll pull the head off rather than only half break it's neck.


Not a nice decision but we'd already decided to cull any males-2 cockerels are certainly enough- with all 4 crowing the 2 dads are getting agitated with the lads- and the poor gals are getting fed up of being chased everywhere.

If anyone has any hints- please share them!

I'm OK with plucking- and I've drawn pheasant before so I know what to expect with that. We'll be giving one of them to our friend as a thank you- and she was thrilled with that.

I think I'll need to freeze the carcase and eat him when the traumatic feeling has gone.

ooohh...don't like this bit

[RichmondHens]

It'll be fine, and I'm sure the meat will be very tasty. Just think of the happy life they've led before the deed is done. We're going to "do" one of our senior birds this coming weekend, and I've already told him his days are numbered. Just as well they don't really understand us isn't it?

[Bephlam]

eeeek...makes me feel ill thinking about it!!

[di]

The way ours have been fighting today,not sure how fat they'll be getting before it's our turn to follow suit!Like you,not particularly looking forward to it,but I guess we knew when we hatched them that some would be boys & how unrealistic finding homes for them all would be!
Must say though,that the thought of a full roast dinner,with everything on our plates homegrown,is in an odd way quite appealing!
Hope it all goes smoothly,like you say,even if OH struggles at least there'll be someone on hand to make sure it's all quick.xx
(are you back?)

[Nicos]

(are you back?)

YUP....back in France...such a gentler life

I'm so pleased my OH has back up..just in case.

I don't know if I could 'do the deed' for eating...but I certainly could if any animal was suffering and beyond a vets rescue.

Bantams..nuggets for 4 peeps???????

We've been offered some Marans..old gals which sound wonderful- maybe we can rescue them from the pot on the same day???

Have to say though..that the strongest of the 2 lads is the one which I had to spray his feet purple to stop him eating his toes...looks like I'm seeing a few independent lads in the next batch which are about 4 weeks old....

[Polly Fouracre]

I have three to "do" this weekend. The thing is to think of the good life they have lived compared to broiler chickens. And to plan their death so that it as stress-free and quick as you can make it. Do it at dusk, or just after when they are a bit dopey and, if you can, seconds after you have picked them up.
I am sure that this not only contributes to the welfare of the chicken but to the flavour of the meat.

[Nicos]

Phew.....am coping with this...just!!!

[Hilary B]

I have three to "do" this weekend. The thing is to think of the good life they have lived compared to broiler chickens. And to plan their death so that it as stress-free and quick as you can make it. Do it at dusk, or just after when they are a bit dopey and, if you can, seconds after you have picked them up.
I am sure that this not only contributes to the welfare of the chicken but to the flavour of the meat.

In general terms, if an animal is stresed before being killed, that WILL adversely affect the quality of the meat. There are good biochemical reasons for this in mammals. It seems likely that the same applies to birds, but it may be a different mechanism.

[RichmondHens]

I would "do" it first thing in the morning. Yes they may be more lively then, but the crop and digestive system will be empty so less smelly for drawing. Mine are used to being handled so don't get too fussed about being picked up (I don't let them out and pick "the chosen one" straight out of the house and carry him off to be dealt with).

Also, try to kill a bird out of sight and sound of the others, if you can.

[Nicos]

RH- thanks- 9.30 am is the chosen time !!

The 2 guys tend to be last out and last in each day- so at least they won't be the ones trying to bolt out of the door as OH is going in.

Hadn't thought about the food and drawing aspect- ta!

How long do they flap for after they are 'done'???()

[Hilary B]

RH- thanks- 9.30 am is the chosen time !!

The 2 guys tend to be last out and last in each day- so at least they won't be the ones trying to bolt out of the door as OH is going in.

Hadn't thought about the food and drawing aspect- ta!

How long do they flap for after they are 'done'???()

Probably less than half-a-minute, but it always seems longer!

[Nicos]

I had a sudden panic yesterday as one of our neighbours was saying that they make one heck of a mess with all the blood once their heads are chopped off...I'd just presumed our friend would break the neck and not use the old chopping block

Anyway- after a quick chat with the lass who is demonstrating/helping she wrinkled her nose and said she always breaks their necks.....phew!

[RichmondHens]

Wouldn't want to chop the head off - very messy! Neck dislocation is the best way. As Hilary says they flap about for up to a minute. My husband does the deed and I have to admit to not liking watching. I do sometimes walk away and leave him to it. After a few minutes we hang it up to start plucking.

[HayleyB]

Good luck Nicos..........

[Nicos]

Good luck Nicos..........

Thanks!!...will pass your wishes onto my OH.....(don't think I want to watch to be honest)