I have been thinking a lot about what killing the turkeys we are raising will demand of me. I love the idea of raising my own food, of caring for these creatures, making sure they are clean and safe and feeding them the best things possible. When I got the poults, I decided not to get attached, knowing that it would be more difficult the more I got to know their little personalities. Everyone told me that turkeys would be the easiest to start with because they are the least lovable of fowl. The kraken of the animal world as one friend put it. Stinky, carnivorous and not intelligent. Yet, I find them to be charming creatures and fascinating to watch grow as their combs come in, their heads redden and legs thicken every day. Every time I check on them they seem to be different.
So, in observing my 4 little ladies so closely every day, I think about how their lives will end. I can't convince myself that it won't hurt them or it will somehow be better because I am doing it. They will still be scared, there will still be pain. Do I commit to doing the deed and risk the emotional pain it will cause me, knowing that I'm Not ready to take the life of an animal? Do I find someone else to do it and hope that it is done quickly and professionally? I don't know but i have time to figure it out.
Any thoughts from those of you who have been through this dilemma would be appreciated. I know I will have to kill one of my animals eventually, but how do I move toward doing it with a clean conscience? Is it possible?
We shall see how the story unfolds. I have a video on the humane killing of turkeys. Will post tonight. Be warned, it is graphic but the words of the woman in the video are wise.
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