08/20/2026
Let’s talk about culling as a mercy for birds that are sick, or injured in some capacity.
As a breeder for me I feel it is the last act of compassion I can show a bird especially in situations where you can tell they’re not themselves and will no longer thrive.
It’s a hard action to take when you pour your love into these animals, sweat and even cry for them. To then decide this is what’s best even if it hurts your heart.
I’ve said it for a long time if you’re getting into silkies, or hell any type of chicken just because they’re cute your heart will break.
It is HARD work, between the early mornings late nights, feeding, watering, cleaning, and even caring for sick or injured birds it’s a lot.
So, when I have a bird that has been injured or suffered something I know they’ll never bounce back from I will cull.
For me this is my last act of love, and compassion for this animal I’ve cared for. To not allow it to suffer. I’m so thankful for the eggs and smiles each one has given me.
These animals are more then breeders here they’re loved and they’re pets. But they are also still livestock. It took me a very very long time to come to those terms.
There was a time when my husband had to put down the animals because it broke me too much, so please know you’re not alone when you say you can’t do it.
But I had a very close friend tell me it was the largest act of love to put an animal down for mercy and for love rather than let it suffer.
So please know culling an animal is not a bad thing. There can be many, many reasons people do so. But it’s never a joyful or wanted event. And just know most breeders/chicken keepers have been there at least once on their journey.