First Rabbit "kill"?

[Unknown User]

Hello guys,

I am new to the forum to get some little help.
I am about to butcher my first meat rabbit for the family. Since my Rabbit Wringer does not arrive yet, I want to do the "classic" way, by using my hands.

Now I have a question about the whole process:

1) When I pull the legs with my hand.. how do I know, how much preassure I have to give?
2) Do you actually feel the break of the spine between your fingers (like veeeery slighty?)? Or do I have to hear a popping sound or so?

Thank you for your help!

Greetings from germany

 

[Dood]

Welcome to the forum

I do not recommend using your hands for your first kill.

Unless the animal is under 3 pounds it is VERY difficult to do, and practically impossible in rabbits over 8 pounds, unless you've done one before and know what to feel for.

I recommend the "Swedish method" which is used by most abattoirs/slaughter houses or the "broomstick method"

 

[Zass]

I agree with Dood, we used the broomstick method on 100s of rabbits before my husband was comfortable doing the process with just his hands.

That was how he learned how to administer just the right amount of pressure, and to know when it's been done properly.

 

[katiebear]

If you search the meat rabbit threads all dispatch methods have been described and discussed in legnth. I had a lot of questions on this so we talked alot...best of luck and if you still have questions we will help
I do agree with Dood..forehead bop works best for first timers..just be swift and sure...

 

[Unknown User]

Good morning,

thank you for your help! Yeah, I was really scared to do something wrong, since I don't want to do it wrong and cause lot of damage and pain to the rabbit!
I read about the broomstick method in this forum and on some other pages in the net, I also saw something like a "tutorial" video on youtube about the correct process.
In the video and describtions, it was like a very fast and silent way to get it quick.

Soo.. an hour ago, I used this method on my first rabbit. Had bit problems to find a usefull broom, but I finally got a good one.
Well, after watching the video, I was a bit shocked about the real result and process! :shock:

While the video displayed a very silent way, I got some pretty loud results! As soon as I raised the rabbits legs the first time, I got a medium popping sound of the rabbits neck. I continued and at a 80 degree angle, there was another pretty loud crack :shock:
Is it normal to get 2 cracks? Does it demend on the size of the rabbit?

At least it was pretty fast and easy to handle
Can't wait, till my wife has it ready later!

 

[grumpy]

This might help you. It's exclusive to this site.

grumpy.

learning-aid-for-usda-protocol-processing-video-t18360.html

 

[Dood]

The pop was likely the neck bones /vertebae separating (resulting in instant paralysis) and the cracking may have been the skull or jaw breaking from pulling too hard.

What was the diameter of the "broomstick" you used? A wider one (over 15mm) is more likely to cause crushing while a thiner one (8mm) as used in a wringer, allows you to get up under the back of the skull and seperate the head from the first vertebra without putting pressure on other bones

 

[Miss M]

Can't wait, till my wife has it ready later!

If the rabbit goes into rigor (becomes stiff), it will be tough when you cook it unless you let it rest and come back out of rigor. This usually takes a few days in the refrigerator.

For some reason, some members don't have an issue with rigor. My rabbits are almost rock-hard after a few hours. :shrug:

Congratulations on your first rabbit dispatching! Be sure to let us know how your wife cooked it, and how you liked it!

Welcome to RabbitTalk! :welcomewagon:

 

[mystang89]

I wouldn't use hand for first time either. I started with the broomstick method and it's been the best way for me.

I don't have to worry about not pulling hard enough not have I had to worry about pulling too hard either. It does cause some bruising around the neck no matter how far I try to bleed it out but I can handle that especially since after its cooked I don't notice anything.

 

[katiebear]

I really like the Ballesta captive bolt gun sold on bunny rancher.com. It is reasonably priced and works well on rabbits up to 10 pounds. As with any dispatch method there is a learning curve. But I have no blood pooling in the neck and the kill is clean..they even have a video on the Web site...

 

[wamplercathy]

The Ballesta captive bolt gun sold on bunny rancher.com will be how I'll dispatch. It looks clean and easy. And lower stress on the rabbits.

http://www.bunnyrancher.com/store/p42/T ... _Gun_.html


Welcome by the way.

 

[3mina]

The Ballista is made in Germany so you should be able to find it

 

[Unknown User]

Hey guys,
Thank you again for your help!

My Rabbit wringer arrived a while ago and I have soon to get the next 3 rabbits done for a family meal.

So I have the option to use the wringer and the broomstick now.

To be honest, I have a little problem with the sounds and feel during the "finish". It was a pretty loud popping using the broomstick, also to feel the neck break was bit shocking.

So if I would use the wringer this time, will I be less able to hear and feel the break? Or is it even worst and I should stick with the broomstick?

Thank u again

 

[katiebear]

I used a wringer for a year or so and yes you will hear a kind of crunch-pop. But as long as you expect it you wont be offended.It is not really loud, but noticeable As with any method you will get better with practice. be sure to watch the videos put out by the company that made your unit. Proper mounting height is very important so you get the proper leverage. As is placement of the rabbit.You do not want to injure and not kill. For myself I like to have a heavy pipe or axe handle handy just in case. . I still keep my "bopper" handy, if something goes wrong I can correct it quickly. Best wishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor!!

 

[Dood]

You get the same "pop" but are likey to crush any bones as the bar is only about 5mm in diameter versus 15mm broom handle and also less likely to bruise the shoulders

 

[Zass]

We tried out using my crosman air rifle yesterday. My payment for butchering and packaging some meat chickens.
It worked really well, and we were able to effect an instantaneous dispatch even for adult stock.

There was a lot more bleeding than with the cervical dislocation method.
We decided we'd still rather do the fryers with his hands, but the older stock was much better off with the gun.

 

[Preitler]

The Ballesta captive bolt gun sold on bunny rancher.com will be how I'll dispatch. It looks clean and easy. And lower stress on the rabbits.

http://www.bunnyrancher.com/store/p42/T ... _Gun_.html


Welcome by the way.

Hi, can anyone tell me how deep the bolt penetrates, and what diameter it is?

Since that looks like a really good method I give it a try.
But I need it now, so I built a captive bolt gun from scraps yesterday, although I am not quite sure about bolt dimensions. For now I went with 4.8mm diameter and 24mm travel from the front face, but can change that easily.