I keep a few hens and cockerels in my backyard, which I occasionally have to kill. What is the most humane method of killing my birds?
A 18. Legal methods of dispatching poultry currently include neck dislocation and decapitation. However the HSA has reservations about both methods. In the case of neck dislocation, it is difficult to consistently achieve an immediate loss of consciousness. Similarly, decapitated birds may continue to show brain activity for up to 30 seconds after the cut is applied. As such, there is potential for distress, pain and suffering. The HSA recommends that neck dislocation should only be used in emergencies or for very small numbers of birds where no better method is available. You do not require a slaughter licence to carry out neck dislocation or decapitation on the premises on which the birds were reared. Where possible, the HSA advises the use of other more humane methods such as electrical or mechanical concussion stunning. Hand-held electrical stunners and mechanical percussive devices are available (see the HSA Practical Slaughter of Poultry – A Guide for the Small Producer booklet f
