Sophie Bennett
There are various methods for killing a chicken, with the aim being to minimise suffering and make the bird unconscious as quickly as possible. One such method is the 'broomstick method', which involves placing the chicken on a hard surface, positioning a broomstick behind its head, and stepping on the broomstick to pin the bird to the ground. This achieves the same result as cervical dislocation, causing an instant lack of consciousness by detaching the head from the neck. While this method can be done quickly and efficiently, it requires confidence and skill, and there is a risk of causing unnecessary pain and discomfort if too much weight is applied or if it is done incorrectly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Broomstick method |
| Aim | To minimise suffering and make the bird unconscious as quickly as possible |
| Advantages | Quick; only a wooden broomstick (or long, strong, straight stick or pole) is necessary; better used on larger birds/breeds and older birds; the bird is already dead before you touch it with a knife |
| Disadvantages | Requires some confidence and skill; nerve tremors afterwards; may need some help to position the bird and/or pole; if it goes wrong, there will be blood; can cause unnecessary pain and discomfort if too much weight is put on the broomstick or for too long |
| Steps | 1. Lay the bird on its breast, with its head facing away from you, beak-side down; 2. Place the broomstick over the bird's neck, close to the skull; 3. Pin the bird to the ground by placing a foot on either side of its head; 4. Pull up firmly and quickly by the feet to break the neck; 5. Check for a gap between the skull and end of the neck to ensure it is broken; 6. Place the bird in a bucket or sack until spasms have stopped and death has occurred |
| Other methods | Using a captive bolt gun or electric stunning to render the bird unconscious before dispatching it; using a sharp knife or axe to cut off the head in one blow; cervical dislocation by hand |
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What You'll Learn
How to position the chicken
When using the broomstick method to break a chicken's neck, it is important to position the chicken correctly to ensure the process is quick and humane. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to position the chicken:
Step 1: Restraining the Chicken
Start by holding the chicken firmly but gently to avoid causing it unnecessary distress. Grip the bird by the legs, using your left hand, and hold it close to your body. This will help restrict the bird's movement and keep it stable during the process.
Step 2: Positioning the Head
Gently tilt the chicken's head back towards its tail. This positioning aligns the joints to make it easier to dislocate the head from the neck. Ensure the chicken's neck is stretched out horizontally. You can achieve this by using your other hand to hold the bird's head or by using a board with nails, as described in one source:
> "Take a board and drive two big nails into it with the width of a chicken's neck between them (about an inch). Leave the nails sticking a couple of inches out of the board. Stick the chicken's neck between the nails and stretch them out horizontally with one hand."
Step 3: Final Adjustments
Before performing the neck break, make some final adjustments to ensure the chicken's neck is in the correct position. Slide your fingers down the neck, sitting them at the base of the skull on either side. This will help you achieve a clean break and prevent throttling the bird. Ensure the beak is pointing down or slightly backward, forming a 90-degree angle with the neck.
Step 4: Broomstick Placement
Now you have the chicken positioned correctly, it's time to place the broomstick. Lay a broomstick, rake, or shovel handle on the ground, positioning the chicken's head under the handle. You can then step on the handle with your feet straddling the bird to keep its head pinned down.
It is important to note that the broomstick method requires confidence and skill. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, it is recommended to seek advice from an experienced poultry keeper or consult a veterinarian for alternative methods.
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How to position the broomstick
To position the broomstick correctly when using the broomstick method to break a chicken's neck, it is important to place the chicken on its back on a hard surface. The broomstick should be placed right behind the chicken's head, at the top of the neck, not the bottom. This ensures that the broomstick does not apply pressure to the windpipe.
The chicken's neck should be stretched out horizontally, with the broomstick placed as near to the base of the neck as possible. One foot should be placed on either side of the chicken's head, pinning it to the ground. The feet of the chicken are then pulled sharply upwards and forwards, ensuring that the neck is under the most strain where it has the least flexion.
It is important to note that the neck should be at a 90-degree angle to ensure a quick and easy break. The beak should be pointing down or slightly backward, making the dislocation as easy as possible. The broomstick method can be challenging and may require some confidence and skill. It is also recommended to have someone assist with positioning the bird and the pole.
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How to pull the chicken's neck
The broomstick method is a quick and efficient way to euthanize a chicken. This method is also known as cervical dislocation or neck breaking. It is important to note that the aim when killing a chicken is to minimise suffering, so the bird becomes unconscious as quickly as possible.
Firstly, you will need a stiff, strong stick, pole, or bar about the thickness of a wooden broom handle. Place the broomstick/rake/shovel handle on the ground. Then, hold the chicken by its feet and position its head under the handle, with the beak side down. Ensure the pole is placed close to the skull, with the neck at a 90-degree angle.
Next, use your foot to pin the bird to the ground by straddling it, and pull up firmly and quickly by the feet. This action will break the neck. You will feel the neck bones separate from the head but stay within the skin.
After the pull, check for a gap between the skull and the end of the neck to ensure the dislocation is successful. The bird will spasm and flap its wings and kick its legs for a few seconds after the dislocation. This is a natural response as the muscles go into spasm when the spinal cord is dislocated, disconnecting them from the brain. The bird is not in any pain during this time, providing the neck is dislocated.
Finally, place the chicken in a bucket or sack until the spasms have stopped and death has occurred. Optionally, you can use a kill cone and knife to allow the blood to drain out, although this is typically not necessary as the chicken is already dead.
It is important to note that this method requires confidence and skill, and you may need assistance in positioning the bird and the pole. Additionally, if you are uncomfortable with this method, you can explore other techniques such as using a captive bolt gun or electric stunning to render the chicken unconscious before dispatching it.
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Pros and cons of the broomstick method
The broomstick method is a technique used to kill chickens by breaking their necks. It involves placing a broomstick behind the chicken's head, stepping on it, and pulling the legs up swiftly to dislocate the neck and sever the brain from the body. This method is considered by some to be quick, effective, and relatively easy to perform, with a low risk of mistakes compared to other methods such as cutting the throat or using a cone and knife. It also provides a mechanical advantage and can be less stressful for the chicken than holding them at awkward angles.
However, one of the main concerns with the broomstick method is the potential for the chicken's head to pop off, leading to immediate bleeding and flailing due to the severed connection between the brain and the body. This can make the subsequent handling and hanging of the chicken more challenging. Additionally, getting the chicken into the required posture can be difficult and stressful for both the chicken and the handler.
Another consideration is that, while the broomstick method may be suitable for chickens, it may not be the best choice for larger birds like ducks, as their necks are stronger and may require more force to break.
The broomstick method is also questioned by some due to the risk of causing unnecessary pain and discomfort if too much weight is applied or if the process is prolonged. It is important to note that cervical dislocation, in general, may not be effective if the dislocation occurs too far down the neck or if the bones are crushed in the process.
Overall, while the broomstick method can be a quick and effective way to dispatch a chicken, it may require practice to perfect the technique and minimize the risk of errors that could cause unnecessary suffering to the bird.
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Alternatives to the broomstick method
The broomstick method is a quick way to euthanize a chicken, but it is not the only way. Here are some alternatives that can be used to achieve the same result:
Neck Breaking by Hand
This method is suitable for smaller birds and those with less confidence in their strength. It requires a firm grip and a quick, strong action to separate the neck bones from the skull, while keeping the skin intact. The bird will convulse after the break, but it will be unconscious and will not feel any pain.
Captive Bolt Gun or Electric Stunning
The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) recommends first stunning the bird to render it unconscious before dispatching it. This can be done with a captive bolt gun or through electric stunning. The latter is an expensive option, but it is effective in ensuring the bird is unconscious before death.
Decapitation with an Axe or Knife
This method involves using a sharp axe or knife to completely sever the head from the body in one quick motion. While this can be a quick and humane method if done correctly, it can be messy and difficult to achieve a clean cut. It is important to note that simply cutting the major vessels and bleeding the bird out is not considered humane.
Cone and Neck Breaking
The chicken is restrained within a cone, which makes bleeding the bird easier and prevents it from flapping around after death. The neck can then be broken by hand or with a tool. This method may be more suitable for those who are uncomfortable with the violent nature of decapitation or the potential mess of blood.
For Very Young Chicks
For very young or newly hatched chicks, a simple dislocation process using your thumb on the neck just behind the skull or against a sharp edge will be sufficient to euthanize them.
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Frequently asked questions
The broomstick method is a quick and efficient way to euthanize a chicken by breaking its neck with a broomstick or similar tool. This method can be preferable to cutting the throat, as it is faster and does not require handling the flapping body.
To break a chicken's neck with a broomstick, you first lay the chicken on its breast with its head facing away from you. Place the broomstick on the ground, positioning the chicken's head under the handle. Step on the broomstick with your feet straddling the bird to pin its head down. Then, pull up firmly and quickly on the chicken's legs to break its neck.
The broomstick method offers several advantages. It can be easier to perform than breaking the neck by hand, especially for larger birds. It also provides a mechanical advantage and can be less messy than cutting the throat, as the chicken is restrained and bleeding is contained.
Yes, the broomstick method requires some skill and confidence. It may also result in nerve tremors, and you might need assistance to position the bird and the broomstick properly. Additionally, if the neck break is not clean, there may be some blood splatter.
Alternative methods to euthanize a chicken include using a captive bolt gun, electric stunning, a sharp knife or axe to decapitate the bird, or breaking the neck by hand. However, it is important to prioritize humane methods that minimize suffering and ensure a quick death.
