What to do with chickens after they pass

[lissalischicks]

Wow lots of answers and advice. Thanks you guys. I have a big backyard for city standards but not big enough. I am afraid if I bury them it will attract predators. Truthfully even more afraid of accidently redigging up an older carcass. Honestly don't want to put then in the trash too. Hence the dilemma

 

[lissalischicks]

Disease - I want that gone off my property
Predator - What if it is disease? I want it gone off my property.

The chicken is dead, it wont complain. At that point the alive chickens are my #1 priority.

This is true too!!!!!!

 

[Joeschooks]

This is true too!!!!!!

x3!

 

[RonP]

Personally, I save feed bags and place the deceased bird inside. I say a little prayer thanking them for their service, knowing I gave them a good life while in my care, and then place them in the dumpster.

They receive a proper burial in the land fill, out of sight, out of mind, but that's just me....

 

[Chickassan]

I use the post hole diggers make a hole about three feet deep fill it in halfway and then plant a bush or tree just depends on the seasonal availability. Plant grows terrific and nothing digs anyone up, perfect system.

 

[Molpet]

garbage
I am the 4th generation burying animals/stock here.. I gave up after the last cat.. had to dig 4 holes before I found a spot that wasn't occupied... I knew where the numerous horses, cats, birds and dogs from my life were at, but I kept finding older bones of stock from the grands and great grandparents... 10 acres but a lot is flood plain or rocky

 

[Chickassan]

Lordy if you used my system you'd have a forest lol! I don't know if the trees completely use the critters but it does keep me from discovering anyone. Post hole is tiny around so not too much space is needed but if anyone dies spread out I've got issues.

garbage
I am the 4th generation burying animals/stock here.. I gave up after the last cat.. had to dig 4 holes before I found a spot that wasn't occupied... I knew where the numerous horses, cats, birds and dogs from my life were at, but I kept finding older bones of stock from the grands and great grandparents... 10 acres but a lot is flood plain or rocky

 

[CCUK]

We have had our fair share of dead animals dogs, rabbits, guineapigs, quail and of course chickens. I managed to bin a few dead guineapigs but we have always had a funeral of sorts for everything else. I have young kids and they always want some sort of closure. We bury them by a apple tree on the farm. But its getting pretty full up there now. Especially when I buried the last hen and I accidentally dug up a half decomposed rabbit! I think I'm gonna have to start having cremations and spreading ashes in nice places. A lot cleaner and quicker.

 

[m1chelle1]

I cremate. 1. Don't know the cause of death sometimes. Don't want to potentially harm any of the local animals, or my dog.
2. Its the "cleanest" and technically "safest" IMHO. And if I want to be burned when I die, I tend to not think its disrespectful. If they are your pets, you could have a little ceremony or celebration of life. I thank mine for their contribution to me while living, and bless them in the chicken afterlife
Hope that helps. You can always create a little chicken/livestock cremation area or do it in the fire pit. Your choice, depending on how ceremonial you want to get.

~cheers

 

[Larry55]

Old chickens make good soup. Problem solved