Culling

[Strawblady2000]

Well, it's a topic that is quite controversial...

Do you ever cull your birds?

Under what circumstances?

What do you do?

I know these can be sensitive questions...but I was wondering what each of your thought are on this.

See...never before have I come across the need to even consider it. I've always been one to interven and help as much as possible. But...from time to time, there is only so much that can be done. I've never actually had a WANT to do soemthing like this, but after last night...I felt almost worse for not ending its suffering. I just wondered how you felt about it.

I dont think it is still something I could do. I mean, who am I to decide this, right? On the other hand...how cruel is it to sit back and watch something waste away, knowing for sure that death is near...but far enough away to cause suffering.

Sorry for the morbid topic. I read an article about culling and it made me think of these different things as well.

[Waxbillman]

hello Nikki

the word 'cull' is not in my dictionary of acceptable terms along with words such as 'cute'

you mean kill, cull is a word the softies invented to make it sound better.

i have never killed any bird in my life, i hear though that some people do it to ill birds by holding their thumb on the neck and putting it around their backs.

Matthew

[Strawblady2000]

Ok Cutie, lol....

It is a tough thing, that's for sure. I'm not one that could.

I've read that some people drown them, others break their necks, and the most interesting (and humane, if there is such a thing) is using helium gas.

I know its a touchy subject. Some practice it...some do not.

It's never even crossed my mind til last night. And, even when put on the spot, I'd not be able to do it.

After all, WHO am I to decide?

[laurab]

A little while ago Roger was given a Green Cardinal that had suffered a stroke. He is not able to stand on a perch but he is pretty good at doing the twist :shock:

This morning I have woken to discover that he has probably had another stroke and is laying on his side, eyes closed but still breathing. I really don't think he is going to recover from this one as each time I right him, he falls onto his side again. Therefore, he will not be able to get to his food and water...........What would you do???

I have had to kill a bird before; it was a canary I had hand reared. I went to feed it and it gotpast my hand and flew into my dogs mouth! Natural reaction is to shout at the dog, the dog dropped the bird but it was badly injured but still alive, I couldn't let him suffer. I hated every moment :cry: I gave it life and took it away again :cry:

[kenny]

hi laura/nikki
in that sort of case i probably would have done the same.but fortunately i have in all my years of keeping birds had to do it.nor wish to!


ken

[Strawblady2000]

Hi Kenny and Laura.

Its never anything someone WANTS to do, that's for sure!!

Sometimes it is just SO hard to watch it struggle for breath, etc.

I'm sorry for your little cardinal...as my expereince was just a few days ago, the feelings are still fresh, and I understand the urge to help vs the difficulty of making a decision.

Good luck in your decision. Whatever you decide is certainly understandable!!!

Yikes about your canary!!! :shock:

I guess some view it as a fine line...once a point of no-return is crossed...then what? Which is more cruel?

I really appreciate everyones honesty and opinions regarding this matter. Not an easy subject, but definately one that many breeders and keepers encounter.

[laurab]

Shortly after posting, the Cardinal died of natural causes :(

[Strawblady2000]

Sorry Laura.

Just like my little chick, he's not suffering anymore. They're in a much better place.

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Laura,

I'm sorry to hear the Cardinal has died after knowing the Bird for so long myself,:sad: but I'm also pleased knowing that you and Roger have given the Bird a better end to it's life.

Paul.

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Nikki,

I'm sorry I didn't say so earlier, but I'm sorry that after the effort you put into avoiding what has happened that you have lost the chick.:(

Well done to you in trying your best, I'm sure it made a difference to the Bird in the end.:wink:

Paul.

[Strawblady2000]

Hi Paul,

Thank you. While I cant do anything to help it now, more importantly, I'm focusing on prevention in the rest of the flock. Thanks Paul.

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Nikki,

Good on you for staying possitive mate,;) some people would (and some have) quit the hobby due to a loss such as yours.:(

All the best to you with the rest of your Birds.

Paul.;)

[Strawblady2000]

Hi Paul,

Give up???? Heck no. It may kick my butt, but you can bet I'll pick it up off the floor and go back for more, LOL!

I can see why people would be discouraged. It is very dissapointing. But, while losing A bird is scary...losing one's whole flock to an outbreak is much much scarier. I'm just really glad I had a well stocked medicine cabinet PRIOR to needing it.

Ive come up with a threat-level system for my bird room, LOLOLOL!!

Threat level is yellow: proceed with caution.

Beats last week when it was threat level was red: bend over and brace for impact.

Anyways, of course, Im just being silly. But...it really is a frightening thought that one little thing can wipe everything out.

Ok, enough from me.

Thanks again, Paul.