Dispatch issues...

Spicerack Rabbitry · Nov 25, 2024

Alright so I just took our first grow out to freezer camp (dad wanted to time it for Thanksgiving) today and despite all my months of research I was not ready. The skinning and gutting took me a long time compared to those with more experience but technically were simple enough. My problem came right at the start with dispatching. We tried the cervical dislocation method where you put a bar behind the ears, stand on it, and pull but it took all my strength and far too long for comfort. I can't repeat that on another living creature. What other dispatching methods do you have because I don't have the physical strength to properly pop the neck it seems. I'm a very small person with not a lot of muscle. It there a technique I'm missing? Maybe another method entirely like a shot to the head or something? The whole point of this project was to be able to have a meat source I felt good about in terms of quality of life and that for me includes giving it the shortest and most painless death possible. Any advice is welcome because I have three more to do...

tambayo · Nov 26, 2024

Strength plays a part when using broomstick method. I found a minirex doe adult was pretty much the max size wise i want to dispatch with that method. Now luckily i have dwarf rex, so they max out at 4 pounds adult.
Dispatch them younger can help with some of it. Rabbits are surprisingly long when stretched, so yes you may end up with an awkward hold if you need to pull up to chest or even chin height in one pull.
I can't tell if your technique is correct, but both feet on the stick, (one on each side), better no bunny feet under the stick and use a hard surface, like a tiled bathroomfloor or concrete barnfloor, ...
They end up sideways sometimes, but that is no problem.

Get a towel or some such and practice the motion.

But if you want to keep using this method, both start some strength training and consider a smaller breed, a say 4-5 pound adult weight breed will feed you just as well, although you may need 2 for a family meal.
Now my reason for picking a smaller breed had a lot to do with being alone, but after a little experience i just see more advantages to their smaller size over the big production breeds for me.

McNally Family Rabbitry · Nov 26, 2024

I prefer the choke chain method myself. The first couple were not great for anyone involved but I've got the hang of it now and it is over in seconds. They just think they are getting picked up for a pet and before they even realize what is happening its over....

R Buns · Nov 26, 2024

McNally Family Rabbitry said:
I prefer the choke chain method myself. The first couple were not great for anyone involved but I've got the hang of it now and it is over in seconds. They just think they are getting picked up for a pet and before they even realize what is happening its over....

Same concept as the hopper popper or broom stick? Is the choke chain attached to a post?

Bluetick21 · Nov 27, 2024

Another way to dispatch is a lil more barbaric but I have done many of times.
Holding them up by the back feet head torwards the ground the rabbits head will naturally turn outward. I use and old hatchet handle just a swift blow to the back of the head does the trick.
If that don’t work maybe look in to a pellet rifle

Phrick · Nov 27, 2024

I bought a hopper popper device, I don’t think I could do broomstick method due to poor balance, I’d very likely fall over

I mounted my popper at about hip height, then once the rabbit’s head is in the V I grab the back legs & yank toword myself and slightly down. Works great, fast, the angle is good, doesn’t require much strength or balance. My buns are American Chinchillas, most of the grow outs are 5 lb by 9 weeks, the adults I’ve culled that was have been 9-10 pounds.

This is the one I got https://www.etsy.com/listing/917162599/rabbit-dispatcher-butchering-supplies?click_key=550fcef88d823a241d6fd1b98549c0536efaa6d0:917162599&click_sum=92d7e23c&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=rabbit+dispatching&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&sts=1&content_source=8aab327c5716d8bea62a8deca01f55def2a67c7c%3A917162599

Rabbit Tree Farm · Nov 27, 2024

The choke chain is also my favorite due to back issues. I mounted mine at my shoulder height. It took me some time to find the right size chain and also getting the chain ring directly under the chin is important. If its to the side the dislocation happens between the shoulders. Ive not tried it with the ring at the back of the head.

This position allows you to take a step back as you pull and use your weight rather than your muscle. It is absolutely swift once you get the hang of it...no pun intended.

Spicerack Rabbitry · Nov 27, 2024

Thank you for all the feedback. The one I did was 6.5 lbs as I let them grow out a couple extra weeks to get a good fur as bi-product. I had my sibling help stand on the rod because I couldn't get a good grip/angle and also both feet on it. He was stronger than I ever expected given how easy everyone made it look. What is the choke chain method? I don't get very good results from searching that phrase. My dad has a 22 and an air pistol (I'm not a gun guy so I have no idea what that really means), is that a method anyone has tried? I would assume a shot to the back of the head might work but maybe not?

A smaller breed would probably be easier but I picked the NZs for the bonus of having good sized pelts and because they were what I could find in my area. Eventually I'd like to try with Champaigns of Beverens. Being really old breeds they tickle my SCA fancy, plus preserving heritage breeds is something my family has been enthusiastic about in the past too. But like I said, no one keeps them where I live.

5dognightfarm · Nov 28, 2024

I definitely recommend investing in a wringer/popper. There's lots of styles on Etsy for sale.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1288854038/meat-rabbit-dispatch-dislocator

tambayo · Nov 28, 2024

There is an older topic here about choke chain method.
https://rabbittalk.com/threads/cervical-☠️-dislocation-vs-🐰-decapitation.35157/#post-345476
Has a yt video on how it works.

Skai · Nov 28, 2024

Spicerack Rabbitry said:
Alright so I just took our first grow out to freezer camp (dad wanted to time it for Thanksgiving) today and despite all my months of research I was not ready. The skinning and gutting took me a long time compared to those with more experience but technically were simple enough. My problem came right at the start with dispatching. We tried the cervical dislocation method where you put a bar behind the ears, stand on it, and pull but it took all my strength and far too long for comfort. I can't repeat that on another living creature. What other dispatching methods do you have because I don't have the physical strength to properly pop the neck it seems. I'm a very small person with not a lot of muscle. It there a technique I'm missing? Maybe another method entirely like a shot to the head or something? The whole point of this project was to be able to have a meat source I felt good about in terms of quality of life and that for me includes giving it the shortest and most painless death possible. Any advice is welcome because I have three more to do...

My husband and I are both involved with raising our rabbits. Dispatching is something we've really struggled with also. We first tried a bolt gun and found that it did not work every time and we'd have to do it a second time. Not at all good for the buns or us. Then we bought a hopper popper and that does work every time but my husband has to do it. I don't have the strength either. If I have to do the dispatch, I use the method of holding the rabbit up by the hind leg and whacking it at the base of the skull. As long as you are forceful it works.

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