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Poultry Slaughter Killing Cone | Medium

Description

Slaughter cone.

Using a killing cone is a foolproof way to cull poultry.

  • Made of galvanised iron.
  • Safe and humane
  • Fix to a post or wall.
  • Ideal size for heavy breed poultry and ducks.

Dimensions: Length 35cm. Diameter 27cm.

Step-by-Step Humane Use of a Dispatch Cone

1) Prepare

  • Equipment: sharp killing knife (at least 12–15 cm, double-sided if possible), very clean, disinfected.
  • Cone: mounted at a comfortable working height.
  • Optional but best practice: poultry stunner (electric or percussive).
  • Have a bucket/tray beneath for blood collection.
  • Keep the environment quiet and calm (away from other birds if possible).

2) Catch & Handle Gently

  • Approach calmly, hold the bird firmly but gently.
  • Support wings against the body to prevent flapping.
  • Avoid chasing birds, as this causes stress.

3) Place in the Cone

  • Insert the bird head first into the cone.
  • The cone should be snug so the bird cannot turn or flap.
  • The head and neck should extend out of the bottom.

4) Stun (Preferred Method)

  • If you have a stunner, apply it now: Electric (electrodes applied to both sides of the head) or Percussive (a rapid blow to the head, causing instant unconsciousness).
  • Confirm unconsciousness (no blinking when the corner of the eye is touched, no righting reflex).
  • ⚠️ If no stunner is available, you must cut swiftly and very cleanly (step 5).

5) Neck Cut

  • Use the sharp knife to make a deep, firm cut just behind the jawbone, across both sides of the neck.
  • Aim to sever both carotid arteries and jugular veins in one clean stroke.
  • Avoid cutting the spine or decapitating — bleeding is more effective and humane when vessels are cut.

6) Allow to Bleed Out

  • Keep the bird in the cone while it bleeds.
  • Reflex flapping is normal, but the bird should be unconscious if cut/stunned correctly.
  • Time to death is usually under 60 seconds.

7) Confirm Death

Before removing from the cone, check:

  • No rhythmic breathing.
  • No blink reflex when touching the eye.
  • No heartbeat.

8) Aftercare

  • Dispose of blood and offal hygienically (MPI requires this).
  • Clean and disinfect equipment after each use.

✅ This method is considered the most humane way for home kill poultry in NZ when a cone is used.

✅ SPCA recommends always stunning first, but if not possible, the cut must be rapid and precise.

ℹ️ Learn more

Poultry Slaughter Killing Cone | Medium

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Slaughter cone. Using a killing cone is a foolproof way to cull poultry. Made of galvanised iron. Safe and humane... Read more

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$72.00 Incl. GST

    • We ship (courier) same day or next working day

          Description

          Slaughter cone.

          Using a killing cone is a foolproof way to cull poultry.

          • Made of galvanised iron.
          • Safe and humane
          • Fix to a post or wall.
          • Ideal size for heavy breed poultry and ducks.

          Dimensions: Length 35cm. Diameter 27cm.

          Step-by-Step Humane Use of a Dispatch Cone

          1) Prepare

          • Equipment: sharp killing knife (at least 12–15 cm, double-sided if possible), very clean, disinfected.
          • Cone: mounted at a comfortable working height.
          • Optional but best practice: poultry stunner (electric or percussive).
          • Have a bucket/tray beneath for blood collection.
          • Keep the environment quiet and calm (away from other birds if possible).

          2) Catch & Handle Gently

          • Approach calmly, hold the bird firmly but gently.
          • Support wings against the body to prevent flapping.
          • Avoid chasing birds, as this causes stress.

          3) Place in the Cone

          • Insert the bird head first into the cone.
          • The cone should be snug so the bird cannot turn or flap.
          • The head and neck should extend out of the bottom.

          4) Stun (Preferred Method)

          • If you have a stunner, apply it now: Electric (electrodes applied to both sides of the head) or Percussive (a rapid blow to the head, causing instant unconsciousness).
          • Confirm unconsciousness (no blinking when the corner of the eye is touched, no righting reflex).
          • ⚠️ If no stunner is available, you must cut swiftly and very cleanly (step 5).

          5) Neck Cut

          • Use the sharp knife to make a deep, firm cut just behind the jawbone, across both sides of the neck.
          • Aim to sever both carotid arteries and jugular veins in one clean stroke.
          • Avoid cutting the spine or decapitating — bleeding is more effective and humane when vessels are cut.

          6) Allow to Bleed Out

          • Keep the bird in the cone while it bleeds.
          • Reflex flapping is normal, but the bird should be unconscious if cut/stunned correctly.
          • Time to death is usually under 60 seconds.

          7) Confirm Death

          Before removing from the cone, check:

          • No rhythmic breathing.
          • No blink reflex when touching the eye.
          • No heartbeat.

          8) Aftercare

          • Dispose of blood and offal hygienically (MPI requires this).
          • Clean and disinfect equipment after each use.

          ✅ This method is considered the most humane way for home kill poultry in NZ when a cone is used.

          ✅ SPCA recommends always stunning first, but if not possible, the cut must be rapid and precise.

          ℹ️ Learn more

          • 5 stars: 8 (100%)
          • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
          • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
          • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
          • 1 star: 0 (0%)
          J
          Janet C.
          works great

          could have a lid or strap to cover top to stop the roosters bouncing out tho - but if you put something over the top or hold the feet its works great - really excellent to help with this horrible task

          Janet C. review photo
          E
          Elliot G.

          The slaughter cone was very effective in assisting with the job at hand, as it allowed me to have my hands free and made the task a lot more efficient and controlled.
          I have culled hundreds of chickens in the past, usually easier with two people. This was the first time I have used such a device without any other assistance.
          We have a few nice ducks in the freezer. Thank you.

          R
          Rik M.
          hugging cones

          brilliant product , the follow up and quick response from Appletons was second to none , amazing company and will 100% will be buying from them again.
          Thanks
          Rik

          C
          Colin A.

          Well made product, looks like it will get the job done

          A
          Arthur Y.
          Killing Cone

          This cone works very well. The chook bleeds out quickly and there is minimum stress to the bird.

          J
          Julie M.
          Kill cone

          Arrived quickly and was perfect for our job

          L
          Lianne W.
          Killing Cone

          The cone was much more solid than I was expecting. Very good quality.

          R
          Richard B.
          Slaughter Cone

          The cone arrived today certainly looks the goods robust construction, but not looking forward to using it however things need to happen. Thanks, Richard.

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