[gsc]

Just tracked this down at Cotswold Chickens - a bit of a trek from Deryshire but not found one nearer yet.

Has any one tried one of these courses?

[joyfull]

several have including John and Cara. When are these courses? Janet 12000 and I were thinking about going on one. I use the sharp axe method - think Ann Boleyn -  for adults and sharp edge for chicks. but have never used the broom handle method that these teach.

[gsc]

The next one is mid July but that is a bit early for me.  I have an op 4th July.  Should be on my feet by then but not the nicest of things to be learning if you're not quite up to full strength

I have emailed to ask when the next one is.

[gsc]

Ok Just had an answer back from Ben Millard at Cotswold Chickens :

The next course will be in August. The date has not yet been confirmed but I can let you know as soon as it has. 
The course lasts between 2 and 3 hours, including a tea/coffee break with homemade cake.

Also been speaking to Alison Wilson of  "ChickenKeeper" - she does a 'Kill Pluck Gut' course which she runs all round the country if she can get enough interest and a suitable venue.

We are looking to see if I have the facilities to host it here in Derbyshire.  If so she will advertise it as soon as she know there is enough interest.

What do you think?  We are East Midlands at the end of the M42, Derbyshire/Leicestershire border.  Close to M1, M5, M6, Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Staffordshire all within range.

[joyfull]

well I could cut across to the A50 and get that way - still about a 2 hour journey but the cotswolds is even further. So it would depend on when it is (away for a few days in July).

[gsc]

Early days yet but will let you know if it looks like it will work out.

[amj]

Joyfull I am intrigued as to how one holds the hen while the heads is anne boleyned!
does this take two to do or is the hen 'as in anne' stoic and ready
I can't imagine ; please tell ! thanks

[joyfull]

if you hold a chicken upside down by it's legs they go very relaxed (or at least mine do) and then it is easy to lay them with their chin on a brick whilst still holding their legs upwards and with a sharp axe swiftly do the deed. I must point out though that I think it is illegal to dispatch a chicken unless you have been taught how to do it swiftly (I have been taught this method and how to "wring" the necks of animals however I find being short that sometimes I am not able to do the wringing method so resort to the axe. I feel I would like to learn the broomstick method as well just to see which method I prefer to use should I have to.

[Tazzy]

Joyful,

Could you please explain the sharp edge thing for youngsters. Mine should hopefully be hatching next week and I've read a few sad tales about runty or weak types that need despatching quickly, but was unsure what it involved

[joyfull]

when young all you need to do is place the chick with its neck over the edge of a fence or metal gate and then squash its neck with your thumb. It is quick to do. If you try wringing its neck the head can become detatched.

[Tazzy]

  Thanks Joyful, sounds a bit unpleasant - hoping I don't have to do it

[joyfull]

It's never nice but if it comes down to a chick in pain and unoperable then it really is the kindest thing to do. Nobody likes to do it and each time I have had to do it to a little chick I bawl my eyes out 

[Tazzy]

Thanks Joyful - you really are a big softy at heart