culling- first time

[Eco-Chic]

Thank you Richmond, duly noted.

I wondered about the amount of strength required which was why I mentioned the tool things. I agree that it is paramount that the chicken doesn't suffer and that the kill is quick and clean.

I do hope that I shan't need to do it for any reason but if I was ever to incubate eggs I wouldn't be able to keep the male chicks

Thank you again.

[Nicos]

I have asked my OH to do any culling- but if a bird of prey/ fox caught one of or gals..I'd be there in an instant to see the chook off.
Can't see any reason not to eat it either

I did kill a blackbird many years go when one of our cats shredded it...couldn't pull the neck- so I put the head gently under a stone and stamped on it at a run.
No way I could go back and sort out the mess- but was really upset the poor little thing was suffering at the expense of my cat.

[Moony Moon]

I have this dilemma at the moment!

Chris (The Cockerel) is about 18 weeks now and has started to crow in the morning, allbeit not too loud, but i know it is going to cause problems soon as i am in town and you just can't have them.

We hatched some eggs to break a broody girl, but knew there was a good chance of a boy. Fortunately my dad was a butcher back in the day and he is going to show me the way to do the deed, so i am more prepared for next years hatching.

I guess at the end of the day we all have to do what we feel is right and minimises stress to our girls and boys.

[MaureenHall]

Well you could always do what I did, after he's had his wicked way with the hens, get the fertile eggs from your girls and incubate them before saying bye-bye to him. That way you'll get a few (possibly) girls coming into lay in the Spring

[Hilary B]

The strength thing can be a problem, that is why I always used a broomstick (method described elsewhere in some detail) to make up for my lack of adequate muscle power.
Anyone within reasonable distance of here, I will come and demonstrate if needed (give a bit of notice; I work unpredictable hours, and locations).

[Nicos]

Gosh- that is a very kind offer x

[frias]

The strength thing can be a problem, that is why I always used a broomstick (method described elsewhere in some detail) to make up for my lack of adequate muscle power.
Anyone within reasonable distance of here, I will come and demonstrate if needed (give a bit of notice; I work unpredictable hours, and locations).

Hilary, you might be my saviour. Do you ever get into Bournemouth? My boys are 13 weeks old and not crowing yet. Although they stand taller than the ex-batts I don't think there is enough meat to make a sandwich so hope they don't crow for a while longer. If you come and show OH (not me I'm certainly not strong enough and I'm a wimp anyway) you are welcome to have them to eat too. Ideally I would like to have rehomed but realise it's not going to happen.

[RichmondHens]

Welsummer boys make good eating. We have had quite a few over the years ........... Mine have made around the 5lb mark oven ready weight at about 6 months old. They are slowish maturers so may not crow for a little while. If you can get them up to above age and weight they will be well worth the effort, for whoever's plate they end up on.

[Hilary B]

Hilary, you might be my saviour. Do you ever get into Bournemouth? My boys are 13 weeks old and not crowing yet. Although they stand taller than the ex-batts I don't think there is enough meat to make a sandwich so hope they don't crow for a while longer. If you come and show OH (not me I'm certainly not strong enough and I'm a wimp anyway) you are welcome to have them to eat too. Ideally I would like to have rehomed but realise it's not going to happen.

Will see what can be arranged in a few more weeks. Might be into December, if only to give them time to grow a bit more. How many are we talking about? I'd prefer to 'go shares' unless you are feeling squeamish about eating home grown ones (and there are advantages to overcoming that feeling if you can).

[frias]

I have 3 and do feel ill at the thought of eating them. Really stupid I know as I've just had chicken for dinner. My ex-batts go to the vet to be put to sleep. I know it's really silly to do this with the cockerels but I'm having sleepless nights worrying about them. The boys are very hen pecked by the laydeez so I hope that will stop them crowing for a lot longer yet.

[Hilary B]

I have 3 and do feel ill at the thought of eating them. Really stupid I know as I've just had chicken for dinner. My ex-batts go to the vet to be put to sleep. I know it's really silly to do this with the cockerels but I'm having sleepless nights worrying about them. The boys are very hen pecked by the laydeez so I hope that will stop them crowing for a lot longer yet.

One handy trick (if you decide that you OUGHT to get over it, no compulsion to do so, we are all different) is to put the 'dressed' birds in the freezer for a month or more. If the eating is kept remote from the killing in this way, it often helps.
I have no problem AT ALL with the person who 'knows it is silly but can't face the idea', because we all have our funny ways that look silly when examined in a 'scientific' light, we are human beings not machines. I do get a bit impatient with the person who can't see that it is a bit daft, but that is just one of MY funny little ways!

[petal]

The killing and plucking I am fine with - its the gutting bit I am clueless about - need a demo - help ! I have a young rooster who keeps attacking my legs - as soon as he is fat enough he is so going in the pot!!

[frias]

If mine were aggressive I might (only might) feel a bit differently. They are only young so might get aggressive later of course. I haven't given them names because I knew I couldn't keep them but they are in the garden and I can see them all day. It's hard to think about them any differently than their sister and she's a pet.
Years ago my cat had kittens and I cried when they had to go to new homes 'cos I thought no-one would look after them like I could. She soon got spayed so we didn't have to go through that again.

[Eco-Chic]

The killing and plucking I am fine with - its the gutting bit I am clueless about - need a demo - help ! I have a young rooster who keeps attacking my legs - as soon as he is fat enough he is so going in the pot!!

Until then can you protect your legs with cricket pads or footie shin pads?

I don't know about gutting either. I was told it's easy, just shove your hand in and oik!

That's not quite graphic enough for me

[Hilary B]

Until then can you protect your legs with cricket pads or footie shin pads?

I don't know about gutting either. I was told it's easy, just shove your hand in and oik!

That's not quite graphic enough for me

It's a bit yucky, but need not be too bad.
A bit smelly too, but turkeys are MUCH worse in that regard (so are ducks, and when it comes to geese, don't ask!)