Dispatching a rabbit

[BoxerMom]

Thanks for posting the picture! That's pretty much what I have in mind to weld up, though I will probably buy a pellet gun as well.

 

[Tara B]

This is such a great thread!

I think we will start using the dislocation method. Welding a bar like the one pictured above it much cheaper than buying the rabbit zinger. Maybe when we break even on the cages we will invest in the zinger.

Question about using the dislocation method: if strength is not an issue, can you safely dispatch very large rabbits, up to 12-15lbs? Is there a max weight for this method?

My biggest wonder is how hard do you pull? I am sure this is very hard to convey to others...

 

[hoodat]

One mistake beginners often make with the dislocator is not to slide the head far enough in. The junction between spine and skull should be snug at the back before you pull down (actually sort of down and sideways at the same time). It doesn't take a hard pull, just a sharp tug. You should hear the spine dislocate. If you pull too hard you are liable to pull the head completely off, which does no harm but it's messy when the blood sprays.

 

[xlt]

sliding he head far enough in, slight stretching the neck, when using a v-board or rabbit wringer type set up...

also, when I do it at least, I pull primarily as close to perpendicular as possible.... strength is not an issue for me, but it takes much more force to pull down than sideways.