Heavy Stick
Two people are needed for this method which, although not ideal, may be used to slaughter large birds such as turkeys and geese. In the EU and UK, this method must not be used to slaughter birds more than 5kg liveweight.
Hold the bird by the legs (and wing tips if possible), with the head and neck on the ground. An assistant should place a heavy stick (or metal bar) across the neck, behind the head. The person holding the legs should then apply firm pressure to the bar either side of the head and immediately pull the bird’s body upwards using sufficient force to dislocate the neck (this may cause some bleeding).
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The heavy stick method being used to dislocate the neck of a goose. |
Check For Signs That The Bird Is Dead:
- Feel the neck for a gap in the vertebrae;
- Ensure the bird is not breathing;
- Ensure there is no blink reaction if the eye is touched and that the pupil is dilated.
If you are unsure that the bird is dead, repeat neck dislocation immediately.
Humane Slaughter Association
The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts, AL4 8AN, UK
Registered Charity in England No 1159690: Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Copyright © www.hsa.org.uk.