This carbon dioxide system is for chicken and turkey euthanasia only.

Supplies Required for Assembly

• Low-pressure series primary double gauge CO₂ regulator
• 20-ounce CO₂ tank
• Paintball thread to CGA 320 thread adapter
• Large plastic container (approximately 1/2 to 3/4 gallon)
• Sealable gallon storage bags
• Shipping tape
• 3/8-inch barbed barb x MIP elbow fitting
• Clear vinyl tubing, 3/8-inch ID x 1/2-inch OD (10 feet)

Carbon Dioxide System Setup

1. Begin by attaching the regulator to the CO₂ gas cylinder (figure 1). If a 20-ounce gas cylinder is used, a paintball thread to CGA 320 thread adapter may be needed (figure 2).
2. Cut a hole in the lid (figure 3) of a large plastic container (figure 4) large enough to accommodate the bird’s head and neck.
3. Cut a hole in the bottom of a gallon-sized plastic bag and secure the bag to the lid with tape to minimize gas escape (figure 5).
4. Drill a 3/8-inch hole into the side of the container (figure 6) to route the CO₂ from the tank to the container. Insert the nylon barbed elbow 3/8 inch by 1/4 inch (figures 7 and 8).
5. Attach clear vinyl PVC flexible tubing (figure 9) that is 1/2 inch (outside diameter) by 3/8 inch (inside diameter) to the elbow fitting (figure 10) and the other end to the CO₂ low-pressure regulator (figure 11). The carbon dioxide single bird euthanasia system is now assembled and ready for use (figure 12).

Method of Application

1. Restrain the bird in a kill cone or have another person restrain the bird for the operator.
2. Open the CO tank valve. With the regulator valve 2 closed, adjust the regulator to 5 PSI.
3. Insert the bird’s head through the plastic bag and into the container (figure 13).
4. Gently hold the bag closed around the neck of the bird with one hand.
5. With the other hands lightly open the regulator valve until CO₂ release is audible for 20 seconds. Then close the valve.
6. After 1 minute has passed (including the 20seconds in step 5), slightly open the valve again for 30 additional seconds. Then close the valve.
7. After a total of 4 minutes has passed, check the bird for signs of life such as respiration, movements, muscle tone in the neck, voluntary blinking, or blinking when touching the eye.
8. If there are no signs of life, the bird has been successfully euthanized and can be disposed of properly.

Checking for Signs of Death

Figure 13. The head and neck of the bird are inserted into the plastic container. The operator gently holds the bag around the neck while applying the carbon dioxide.

Following are physical reflexes to observe following CO₂ application. Continue observations until all reflexes have stopped for a total of 1 minute.

• Nictitating membrane. Induced blinking after gently tapping the inner corner of the eye; used to indicate brain-stem death
• Rhythmic breathing. Repeated opening and closing of the beak or movements of the sternum. When rhythmic breathing has stopped for 2 minutes, indicating brain-stem death, the animal will be considered in a state of nonrecoverable onset of death.
• Body movement. Uncoordinated movement of the body, legs, or wings, indicating unconsciousness and brain dysfunction
• Absence of a pain reflex. Firm comb or toe pinch (noxious stimulus) used to indicate unconsciousness and brain dysfunction
• Heartbeat. Absence of regular heart rhythm, indicating nonrecoverable onset of death

 

Euthanasia is successful when one application attempt is needed, with no signs of recovery (sustained and/or return of rhythmic breathing or reflexes) at 5 minutes after euthanasia application.

 

 

Download a PDF of Poultry Euthanasia: Single Bird Carbon Dioxide System, ANR-2691.