I have a client who owns a peacock, which currently is alive. He wants to have it mounted. What's the best way to dispatch it? Thanks!
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I happen to have a nice deer hunting spot on some property next to where the neighbor keeps those gawd awful sounding birds.They do that annoying screaming call like a woman yelling help all the time .I'd like to whack 'em all so I can hunt in peace.
Electrocution is the most humane way to go-at least that's what my veterinarian says. Just split an electrical cord and attach a couple of alligator clips to each end. Hook one clip to the vent, and the other to the lip (between the upper and lower beak). Hang on tight to the bird while you have your "partner in crime" plug in to an outlet. No-you will not get electrocuted by hanging on to the bird, unless you are touching both ends of the clips while it is plugged in. For a bird the size of a peacock, you will need at least 5-10 seconds of juice.
I have done this to many, many game farm birds that I purchase-mount and sell. This method is fast, humane, clean, and fun! Bubba
I thought Stefan Savides was nuts when he first posted that method on here, UNTIL I TRIED IT. Absolutely the best. The birds don't flutter and flap or break wings or feathers. Ten seconds is more than enough.
and may be a little more convenient. Use a syringe and fine needle. Fill with a good grade isopropyl [rubbing] alcohol. I prefer the 99 percent, which I bought at a drug store, but the common 70 percent may work fine. Again, you will need an assistant to help hold the bird, but you can inject the base of the brain or into the corrotid of the neck. Just bump the plunger. Only takes a drop or two. Dead bird. Instant. No struggle. No flapping. Best way to put down chukar to any size larger birds I've found so far.
A guy I work with breeds all sorts of birds and when he kills em when he doesn't want the feathers gettin all buggerred up and such - he just breaks the neck. Syringes and electrocution are cool if you have experience in it but can cause undo harm and suffering if not done correctly and no one wants that sort of attention. He just holds the body as tight as he can; grabs it FIRMLY round the head and with one quick tug forward it stretches the neck n kills it - sort of like being hanged. Make sure to grab the head firmly tho so your hand doesnt slide forward and disturb feathers. Thats how he told me he does it when appearance is a factor.
I don't want any of his birds. Thats an even BETTER way to have feathers slip. All that bruising and blood coagulation spells trouble with a capital "T".
Most waterfowl, and upland gamebirds die very quickly when th ebrain is injected with air, use a large vet syringe to do this.
I did dispatch some gamecocks a few weeks back that one did not die within seconds. On him I used the needle to severve the spinal colum at the base of the brain.
On the large bird. I would put the bird in a burlap bag or wrap it tightly in a old sheet with its gead sticking out your buddy holding it. This will prevent you or him being flogged. I dont know if you are going the save the meat. If so you can inject the brain with water or vinegar. since both are edible.
Used a large gauge needle the biggest you can find at the Farm store.
Now if you cannot catch the bird but can get it away from other birds, either 22 cal. or Alka-selter A/S will rupture the birds intestines.
Thanks for all the suggestions! This guy is a couple of states away, so he'll have to do it. I'll give him the option of which way.
Bubba, are you SURE the person holding the bird won't get "bit?" Seems to me the charge would go through the handler's body, also. Just to be safe, think I'd play 'supervisor' and have someone else hold the bird!
Thanks again!
Vicki
They will insulate the holder from electrocution while dispatching the bird.
I perfer the old tried and proven method, used round here for Decades. Remention 870 express magnum 12ga. Works great