Dispatch issues...

[Spicerack Rabbitry]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.