keyhole kate Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I am considering going on a dispatching course in case of sickness injury or hatching cockerels I am unable to rehome but physically I am not very strong I have rheumatoid Arthritis quite badly in my hands is it strength or technique ? My biggest fear is causing suffering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millie-Annie Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Its technique, but you still need to able to hold the chicken firmly. My neighbour does mine for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Its technique - I use the Broomstick method of dispatch so you hold the chicken upside down by its legs but the broomstick does the work rather than your hands. Ideally you'd use an electric stunner (£600) for larger birds but I have done ducks and turkeys with this method too and it worked fine. I'm biased towards the courses but they are a good idea - I went on one with several other Omleteers a few years ago and have found it really useful since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 As the others say, the broomstick method is more technique than strength, but you do need to be able to hold the bird. Depending on the breed/age you cull at, a cockeral can be quite weighty (a LF orp for example), although most are quite dealable-with. I would definitely go on the course, and see how it pans out for you. If its all too difficult you will have people around to help if necessary to prevent any suffering and you will know for sure how well you are able to cope for the future. If you are despatching chicks or bantams I tend to use a cleaver. You only need to be strong enough to pick it up and bring it down with a little bit of force - even less than the broomstick method. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted August 19, 2013 Author Share Posted August 19, 2013 Thanks Guys I think I will book a place they don't describe the method they use but I am hoping its the broomstick method I have heard mentioned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 The course sounds well worth it and then at least you know. My husband does ours but we were dispatching two cockerels to eat earlier in the year and I asked him to show me. I am not particularly feeble, and they were quite big cockerels, but I wasn't strong enough, maybe it was my inexperience and technique. He does it by holding by the legs, tilting the head back and doing the deed, never seen the broom method. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
