Quickest/Easiest/Fastest Way to Dispatch?

[petal]

broomstick method is very effective - there is no way I could break their necks with just my hands! I have 3 i have to despatch and put in freezer today. Its not that bad! The meat is fantastic - don't waste it!!The hardest bit is plucking.

[Nicos]

Petal- I was shown the 'dunk in hot water first' method of plucking....
2 mins max being sloshed about head first in a bucket of hot water and the feathers literally smudge off. As the skin on the head is slightly 'cooked', it no longer looks like a recent kill - which really helps psychologically for me.


Jules- have you decided what to do next???..all the best with whatever you decide xx

[Hilary B]

We are almost close enough, but it would mean a whole day at the weekend.....

[Prince of Durham]

Sell them at a local auction. You might only get a couple of pounds for them but if it saves you the stress of killing them yourself.. My local show usally has single birds for sale.

[jessmorris]

Sell them at a local auction.

Sounds like a good idea but I've been warned off selling cockerels at auction. I was told that people buy them for training their fighting cocks on. Have no idea if this is substantiated at all, but not a nice way for a youngster to go! I have a sick youngster and two cockerels to dispatch so am reading this thread intently!
JM

[RichmondHens]

I think there is no point in trying to sell a single cock - even pure breeds - unless they are absolutely stunning specimens. If you raise them you must be prepared to cull them.

Most people try and offload their surplus cocks by selling them with a hen or two, but I wonder how many people buy the trios and then just end up putting the cock in the pot anyway as they only really want the hens.

[Prince of Durham]

@jessmorris

I suppose that could happen. I've never heard of it personally at any of the auctions/ shows I go to, but anything is possible these days. However if you are going to think that way about shows or poultry fairs then nobody would go to them. The majority of people who go are passionate enthusiasts like us....

[julesapple]

The Deed is Done.....

......my mum came up with the ideal person in the end.

I can't think why we never thought of this old family friend, a retired farmer, in the first place. They were neighbours of my parents' years ago and the DD spends a lot of time with them.....Anyhoo, they came out last night and did the deed and we now have four exsanguinated birds hanging ready for plucking. We are going to eat any that are big enough, the smaller ones will be bird of prey food, especially the organs. One cockerel of the five was spared as he's still young and little. DD now knows what to do so when he's bigger/noisier it will be his turn possibly.

The method used was the stout clout round the head, slit the neck way. DD stood and held the inspection lamp, whilst our friends did the clouting/slitting bit. It's 40 years since they've done such a thing and they weren't looking forward to it, but they did it for DD, bless them both.

Me? I clattered the supper dishes as loudly as I could, then retired upstairs to my workroom at the other side of the house until shouted down to put the kettle on. I thought it would have taken ages, but it was about 20 minutes from start to finish. I think our hens were a bit spooked last night, even though they were in bed, but they're ok this morning.

I'm glad it's all done now - we've sort gone full circle in the 18 months we've had chooks. And how blissful not to be woken at midnight, and every two hours after by cockerels who can't tell the time!

Jules

[Nicos]

Glad you've managed to sort it out.

My bantams were only 750g short leg length...enough for 2 really, but we make one do for 2 meals each- and then stock. The stock is ever so sweet compared to bought chicken carcase so I do a second boiling with fresh water and get a good 4 pints of tasty stock ...not bad for a tiny bird.

We gave one of our birds -from the very first couple - to the farmer's wife who came and showed us what to do.

[julesapple]

We gave one of our birds -from the very first couple - to the farmer's wife who came and showed us what to do.

I did offer but they said no. By way of thanks, I'm going to put together a hamper of our homemade chocolates, mincemeats, jam & pickles, I'll put in some Florentines and possibly a christmas pudding too. DD will take it out to them nearer Christmas. She sees them a few times a month.

Jules

[Nicos]

Aww...that's lovely- I'm sured they'd prefer that too!

[Polly Fouracre]

Next time, if there is one, think again of that feeling of relief when the deed is done and you'll be able to do it sooner rather than later!

[bart]

I have used air pistols to dispatch rats mink and cockerels
it is fine if you ensure you put the pellet in the middle of brainand use a good powerful pistol not some cheap weak one
With them all i ensure the head is still and barrel touching.
That said breaking neck is easiy to.
Cant undrstand why people think sending them to market (they will end up killed bby some one posibly not as caring) or leaving out for fox (horific and slow!) is a suitable alternative